Isparta’nın İngilizce Tanıtımı
Area: 8.933 km²
Population: 434.771 (1990)
Traffic Code: 32
Isparta is a province that placed at the Mediterranean Region, and famous with lakes, roses and rugs. Antic cities, national parks, and caves are places to be seen in province.
Districts: Isparta (center), Aksu, Atabey, Eğridir, Gelendost, Gönen, Keçiborlu, Senirkent, Sütçüler, Şarkikarağaç, Uluborlu, Yalvaç, Yenişarbademli.
How to Get
Roadway: province roadway connections with other provinces are claimed over; Afyonkarahisar, Konya, Antalya.
Coach station Tel : (+90-246) 227 20 70
Railway: Isparta railway an extention of İzmir – Aydın railway, has periodical voyages; Pamukkale Express, Göller Express, Posta Treni (mail train), Mototren. Reaching every places in country is possible by railway.
Train station Tel : (+90-246) 232 41 35 – 218 13 01
Airport: Airport is 28 kilometre away from Isparta and take place in the borders of Keçiborlu county. Isparta – İstanbul and İstanbul – Isparta plane voyages arranged at Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport, every kind of planes can be take of and land at airport.
Airport Tel : (+90-246) 559 20 0 – 559 20 13
Where to Visit
ANCIENT CITIES
Antiocheia Antic City: Antiocheia; is nearly 1 kilometre north from Yalvaç county that depended to Isparta province and built on a productive area which lies towards the south slope of Sultan mountains.
Pisida Antiocheia
Limenia Island – Artemis Temple: liemnia Island is in side the Hoyran lake at the Gaziri locality that 25 kilometre away from Yalvaç county. Island is surrounded from waters and a temple built in for the name of Artemis, moreover other building ruins exists. It is understood that island was settlement place since the First Ages and was an important center for praying.
Seleukeia Sidera (Bayat): it is 7 kilometre south of Atabey, at the Bayat Village. Excavation processes done at the Antic city bring light Hatıllı south terrace, acropolis east gate, south slope gate, stairs – tunnel – well system, building with podium, theatre and necropolis (grave yard).
Adada: it is 12 kilometre away from Sütçüler county and 2kilometer away from Sığırlık Village. Today some ruins can bee seen at Antic city is; Main street of first age that floored by big stones and placed at the geometric axis of Cities area. And ruins of little temples that that temples built by rectangular (shape of square prism) stones which cut so smooth, some ones leaved with decoration salient part. Moreover Agora and buildings complex that surrounding it, Bouleuterion (meeting place for city governors), some parts from city water system, Necropolis, mausoleum (monument tombs built like house) are present.
CHURCHES
Saint Paul Church, Aya Payana Church and Aya Yorgi Church are important Churches of province.
Religion Tourism
St. PaulChurch (Yalvaç): It is one kilometers north of Yalvaç province, and within Pisidia Antiocheia Antique City. It is the first big church of the city, and adjacent to the city ramparts and 200 meters south of Roman Hamam. Bassilical planned structure, which is one of the first Christian churches, is constructed on a synagogue.
St. Paul church, which is within Yalvaç Antiocheia antic city had taken its name from city visitor St. Paul. After St. Paul had gained to be a citizen of Roma, he had been Baptist by Saul and Hanania, and gained Paul name. St. Paul, together with Saint Barnabas, had come to the city on 46 A. D., and gave his first official sermon in a synagogue in this city. After this visit, due to two more visits of St. Paul to this city, it gained an importance for both church and Antiocheia Christianity world.
AyaPayanaChurch (Center): It is at the city center. It is thought to be constructed on 1750.
AyaYorgiChurch (Center): It is at the city center of Isparta. It is written that it is constructed on 1858 on its inscription.
AyaStetfanosChurch (Eğirdir): It is in Eğirdir Lake, Yeşilada District, which is bound to Eğiridir province with an asphalt road on 1976 while it was an island before. It is a Byzantium – Orthodox church, which is constructed during XIV century.
CARAVANSERAIS
Ertokuş Caravanserai: it is near the Eğirdir lake in the borders of Yeşilköy Village. Known as Kudret Inn or Gelendost Inn too,. According to inscription caravanserai built by Mübarüziddin Ertokuş in the year of 1223.
HIGHLANDS
Sorgun plateau that 10 kilometre away from Aksu county centre, is most important plateau of province. Plateau that has lots of fountains, take quite interest of local people at summers.
PRESERVED AREAS
Isparta- Kızıldağ National Park
Location: The park is 120km northeast of Isparta, and 5km south of Sarkikaraagac, and on the northern edge of Lake Beysehir.
Transportation: It can be accessed by road from Sarkikaraagac.
Highlights: The landscape between Kizildag and Beysehir lake is noted for its erosion, with formations of limestone rocks. Buyuksivri hill, at an altitude of 1840m, can be climbed by amateur mountaineers. The area is also famous for its rich plant cover, especially cedar forests. Many visitors come to celebrate the traditional Halvah Bairam (festival) in Sarkikaraagac on the second Sunday in July.
Facilities: Buyuksivri hill is known for its healing of respiratory problems, because of the oxygen produced by the cedar trees. Accommodation is available in bungalows, tents and caravans.
Isparta- Kovada Lake National Park
Location: The park lies east of Isparta, and south of Egirdir.
Transportation: The park can be accessed off the 23km-long road which runs south off the Isparta – Egirdir – Konya highway.
Highlights: Kovada Lake, similar to the cavernous lakes in the Western Taurus, is an extension of Egirdir Lake and is filled with fresh water bass, lobster and carp. The plant life is predominantly cluster pine, oak and plane trees. The area is popular for trekking, climbing and basic camping.
Facilities: There is no accommodation available, but camping is possible.
Isparta- Kasnak Mesesi Ormani Nature Reserve
Location: The forest is near Yukari Gokdere village, in Isparta province. It is within the area known as Goller Bolgesi (Lake District).
Transportation: The forest can be reached by the Isparta-Egridir state highway.
Highlights: The area of 1300 hectares is best known for its endangered species of trees, which grow only in Turkey. Groves of cedar and juniper are the main species of the area. The forest is also a home to foxes, badgers, wolves, wild boar and squirrel.
Isparta- Yazılı Canyon
Location: Yazili Canyon is in the Sutculer District of Isparta, in the Mediterranean Region.
Transportation: The park can be reached via the Isparta – Sutculer highway, and turning off at Sutculer for 8km. Isparta is well connected to the rest of Turkey by public transport.
Highlights: The area is well known for its lakes and the picturesque views of the area, and also the rich variety of flora and fauna. The main species of plant are larch, alder, hairy oak, plane, juniper, walnut, locust, olive, oak, bay, oleander, myrtle, blackthorn, broom, wild rose, ivy and bracken. Pig, wild goat, fox, badger, sable, rabbit, squirrel, eagle, red vulture, falcon, pigeon, stock dove, and partridge also inhabit the park. The best time to visit is between April and October.
Isparta- Gölcük Natural Park
Location: Golcuk Park is 12km from Isparta, in the Mediterranean Region.
Transportation: There is transport available from Isparta, which is well connected to the rest of the country by bus.
Highlights: The landscape is known for its volcanic cones, as well as its flora and fauna. In 1994, the borders were reduced to 4720 hectares, but following objections by the public, the full area of 6684 hectares was reinstated as a natural park. The main species of tree is black pine, cluster pine, acacia, oak, cedar, spruce and white oak. Badger, fox, rabbit, falcon, partridge, pigeon, quail, carp, snake, and frog are the main animals found inhabiting the area. The best time to visit is between April and October.
LAKES
Eğirdir Lake: it takes place in either the borders of Isparta province and Lakes region, and it is one of the most important lakes of both. It is 4th biggest lake of Türkiye with 517 kilometre square surface area. Lake separated to two sections. Little one that placed at north side section called as Hoyran Lake, the section placed at south called Eğirdir Lake. Each two sections connected with Hoyran throat.
Kovada Lake and National Park: is at the 30 kilometre south from Eğirdir county. Natural vision of lake is very beautiful. Lake Environment surrounded with very rich plant cover. Wild ducks and other game animals lives. Because of these properties, the council of minister’s order declared lake and surroundings to National Park at the year of 1970.
CAVES
Isparta Caves
Zindan Cave
Location: Isparta, Aksu District
The cave is located inside the Aksu Creek Valley which is 2 km. northeast of Aksu district. The road following the creek bank and leading to the plateaus above passes in front of the Zindan Cave. Reaching to the cave via this road by bus and other sorts of vehicles is possible.
Properties: The Lakes Region in which the Zindan Cave is located is one of the most dense karstic areas of Turkey. The total length of the cave is 760 meters and is horizontal and semi active. The cave is known and used from the Roman period.
İnönü Cave
Location: Isparta, Eğirdir District
The cave is located at the northern skirts of İnönü Hill which is 1.5 km south of Sarıidris village. Reaching to the cave from the village is possible via tractor.
Properties: The cave is 227 meters long and is horizontal and dry. In precipitant seasons, some small lakes are formed inside some branches of the cave. The cave is generally dry. The temperature inside the cave is 16ºC. The atmosphere moisture is 82 percent.
İnönü Cave has developed among the cracks in various directions inside the Jura – Creates aged limestone which are sitting on the İnönü Hill as a skullcap. Under this limestone layer, dolomite and locally Marian layers of Trias age. The cave could not developed deeper because of these non – karstic layers.
İnönü Cave had been developed in horizontal direction and as narrow galleries from the entrance. There is only a wide saloon at the entrance section. Here, there is a thick ground layer and inside this layer there are numerous skeleton parts. Therefore, it is understood that this section of the cave is either accommodated or used as a burial ground. Most of the galleries are empty, but there are numerous damlataş formations in some branches.
The cave is known by the local folk for a long period and a lot of skeleton pieces were discovered at an area close to the cave entrance. No investigations on this fact had been executed.
Kuz Cave
Location: Isparta, Sütcüler District
Kuz Cave is located at the steep side of the Köprüçay canyon, near Asar Hill which is to the southwest of Kesme Borough. Reaching to the edge of the canyon from the borough in 15 – 20 minutes by tractor or any other land cruiser is possible. When this road is arranged, this period would be much shorter. However, in order to reach the cave which is at the middle of the 700-750 m. deep canyon is possible by foot and takes about half an hour. This downward walk is hard and dangerous.
Properties: The total length is 224 meters and the deepest point in respect to the entrance is at 17.5 meters. The cave has hot and semi dry atmosphere. There is a significant air circulation at the narrow passages and side branch connections.
The width of the cave alters between 2-16 m and the height of the ceiling alters between 1-20 meters. The middle and final sections of the cave is covered with beautiful various shapes of damlataş (stalagmite, stalactite, pillar, wall and cover damlataş, damlataş pools,… etc..) To the end of the main gallery, a thick sand and pebble deposit could be encountered. These parts of the cave are the deepest sections. The ending point of the side branch separated from these deposits is + 10 meters above the entrance.
Kuz cave is 250-300 meters above the river bed and is a fossil cave which is hydrological suspended (vadoz belt).Because of this fact, except from the dripping or leaking water in precipitant seasons, it is completely dry. These waters form small ponds at the end of the main gallery.
Ayıini Cave
Location: Isparta, Yalvaç District.
Ayıini cave is located at 15 km northeast of Yalvaç and is at the southern skirts of Sultan Mountains above the Nazilli creek. The cave is 20 – 30 meters above the valley bottom and reaching both from Yalvaç and Özgüney Boroughs by stabilized two roads is possible.
Properties: The cave is 407 m. long, developed horizontally and is a fossil caveat resource situation. The cave has cold and semi moisture atmosphere. As the cave has a cracky structure and is composed of two layers, there is a significant air circulation inside the cave.
No specific animal community is found inside the Ayıini Cave. But rarely there are bats living in different locations.
Ayıini is suitable for touristic purposes with the beauty of the natural surroundings and interesting damlataş and cistern formations inside the cave. Especially the cisterns found in different locations inside the cave are unique. Also, protection walls present in some parts of the cavern makes the cave more attractive.
Pınargözü Cave
Location: Isparta Yenişarbademli District
The cave is located at 11 km. west of Yenişarbademli.
Properties: As discovered to the 6th kilometer before, Pınargözü Cave is the longest cave of Turkey with 12 km length reached in 1991. With the siphon just 50 meters away from the entrance and with the waterfalls and travertines having long siphons to climb, Pınargözü Cave is a hard cave to wander about. The exploration of this cave is still in progress.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
Skiing Center: Mount Davraz that 25 kilometre away from Isparta, is one of the most important skiing centers of region.
Davraz Skiing Center
ISPARTA – Davraz
The Davraz Ski Centre is in the Western Mediterranean, 26km from the centre of Isparta.
Arrival: Municipal buses run from the ski centre to the city. Isparta’s Suleyman Demirel Airport is 58km away, and Isparta is well connected by bus to other areas of the country.
Geography: Davraz moutains, with an altitude of 2637m), is part of the range between Egirdir and Kovada Lakes, which surround the Isparta Valley in the area known as the Lake District. The ski centre has a terrestrial climate and the season runs between December and April. The snow is between 0.5 – 2m deep, and the mountain has a bare appearance with little vegetation and enabling different winter sports.
Facilities: The ski lodge has a capacity of 50 beds, and has a large restaurant. Other hotels in the centre of Isparta or the Egirdir area are also convenient. The chair-lift starts at an altitude of 1674m and ascends to 1961m, and the ski runs are 4km long.
Air Sports: Isparta has suitable places for making air sports.
Slope Parachute
EGIRDIR
Location: There are road and railroad transportation in Eğirdir, which is 60 km. away from Isparta. Local bus firms of Isparta are passing from Egirdir.
Regional Characteristics: Egirdir which is appropriate for lots of tourism activities with Eğirdir lake and island, has very appropriate hills for paragliding parachute. Süleyman Demirel University Aerial Club is performing training flights on these hills.
Youth Camps: at Isparta there are camps depended to Forest Ministry that makes use of by youths.
Isparta Forest Camps
Salda Gölü Forest Camp
Location: Yesilova
Facilities: Building with 3 bedrooms
Open: All year
Tel: (0248) 619 20 22
Kızıldağ Forest Camp
Location: Kizildag National Park, S.Karaagaç, northwest of Isparta
Facilities: Bathrooms, toilets, showers, food stand, water, electricity
Time restrictions: 10 days for bungalows.
Tel: (0246) 411 44 82
MUSEUMS
Isparta Museum: At the Isparta Museum that formed from 4 sections, archaeological, ethnographic, Yörük (nomads) and rug creations are exhibit. Museum that more than 12 thousand creations exhibit, is open every day of week and between 08.00 – 16.30 hours. Museum Tel: (+90-246) 218 34 37
Address Hükümet Avenue No: 4 Yalvaç
Open hours to visit: 08.00 – 16.31
Yalvaç Museum: Archaeological and ethnographic creations exhibits at Yalvaç Museum. It is open every day of week and between the 08.00 – 16.30 hours.
Musuem Tel : (+90-246) 441 50 59
Address İstiklal Quarter, Millet Avenue No: 4
Open hour to visit: 08.00 – 16.31
Geography
Isparta’s summers are dry and hot, winters are cold and rainy. Surrounding lakes have considerable effects on climate. Great part of total raining, and snowing, drops in winter and springs months.
History
Isparta include near locality is one of the important settlement places in Pisidia Region. History of the regional settlement can be traced to Palaeolithic (Old stone) Age.
Isparta lived under dominance of Rome, Byzantine, Seljuklian, Hamitoğulları and Ottoman at past.
Where to Eat
Isparta’s tarditional famous tandır kebab can be tasted in various restaurants at center. Eğirdir is a county that serves every kind of water originated meals in delicious way. Stuffed Carp made at region is a meal that you can’t satisfy your self by eating it.
What to Buy
Isparta has either modern shopping malls or shopping centers that traditional creation can be found. Especially products of roses and hand woven rugs can be bought every season. Moreover at the Yalvaç county traditional hand made creations, leather and felt objects, sold as tourism present items beside their traditional functions.
Don’t Leave Without
– Visiting Yalvaç Pisidia Antiocheia Antic Ruin place,
– Making picnic at the shores of lakes and taking photographs at Kovada National Park,
– Eating Sazan dolması (çapak) (Stuffed Crap) by the view of lake at Eğirdir county,
– Buying rose oil and rug from Isparta,
– Seeing International Rose, Rug, Culture and Tourism Festival arranged between the 1 – 3 June dates,
– Skiing at Mount Davraz, Making slope parachute at Eğirdir, canoeing at Çandır
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