Culture Routes in Turkey

Turkey is situated at a point where many different types of flora meet, so has over 11,000 native plants. Hundreds are endemic; many are rare. Above is sternbergia clusia, found over a wide range in southern Turkey, and below is crocus wattiorum, only discovered in 1992 and known from only one site. Spring and autumn bulbs, orchids, old mixed forest (including cedar forest) and steppe vegetation are well represented. Autumn colour can be wonderful, especially in N Turkey. 26% of Turkey’s land area is managed by the Forestry Ministry; there are designated National Parks and other conservation areas. Large fauna was once well-represented – lynx and wolf are now confined to mountain areas and are not easy to see. Bear and chamois can be seen in the Kaçkar Mountains; deer, wild goat and wild pig are widespread. Turkey is an important area for bird migration and over 400 species have been sighted here. There are about 400 native butterflies, which are best seen in the peak months of June-August, especially in the Kaçkar mountains.

The best mature mixed forests can be seen on the mountains of the Black Sea and Mediterranean coasts. Steppe vegetation is found in central Turkey. Bird migration is good in the Çoruh-Kaçkar area and the Mediterranean coast. The best nature routes are shown below, but all have a rich variety and local specialities.

Routes marked * have been sponsored by the Forestry Ministry: