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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.
HOW TO GET
Roadway: province roadway connections with other provinces are claimed over; Afyonkarahisar, Konya, Antalya.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PSIDIA ANTIOCHEIA
YALVAÇ
Where to Visit
MUSEUMS
YALVAÇ MUSEUM
With more than its share of history, the town of Yalvaç has a beautiful museum in which the artifacts recovered from excavations in the area are displayed.
The archeological and ethnographical items here date back to the pre-historic era.
ANTIQUE CITIES
THE ANCIENT CITY OF ANTIOCH
Antiocheia is was founded about 1 km north of Yalvaç in the province of Isparta on a fertile area lying along the southern slopes of the Sultan Mountains. It was the capital city of the Pisidia and a Seleucid colony like Apollonia. It was built between 281-261 BC by Seleucus's son Antiocheia and named "Antiocheia" in his honor.
In 25 BC with the selection of Pisidia as the site of Rome's first and biggest military colony, the city was rebuilt by emperor Augustus. Augustus brought 3000 soldiers from Rome and settled them here in Antiocheia. The city was given the name "Seven boroughs" and in Latin texts it is referred to as "Res Gestae." For this reason the ancient Roman city and Antiocheia are sister cities with an important place in history.
At this time, there were inscriptions in Antiocheia of two Lefro (V-VII). In the Roman era, the city had, according to inscriptions, a population of over 100,000 people. The official language was Latin but the population at large spoke Greek. In the early part of Emperor Period of Rome the city was rebuilt according to a ordered city plan and many buildings both religious and civil were constructed.
The Sections of the City
The main entrance to the city is via the Western Gate. Cardo Maximus, the main street has narrow but straight side streets leading into it. The city is made up of two main squares (Augustus and Tiberius). These are located in the eastern section or main part of the city.
The city walls of Antiocheia total around 3000 meters. Built in the Hellenistic era, these magnificent walls were expanded and repaired during the Roman and Byzantine periods. The Western Gate, which guards the entrance to the city, is decorated with reliefs of shields and weapons of war and symbolized the might of the city. The grand Temple of Augustus, which crowns the city's sacred high place, makes the presence of the sacred powers felt in an almost tangible way with its consummate architectural style. The propylon (Memorial Entrance 1st century AD) is situated at the nexus of the Square of Augustus and the Square of Tiberius. The Square of Tiberius (15-40 AD) is located to the east of the Street of Columns, one of the city's most important sections. In the gallery where the shops were located quite a lot of glass, pottery and bronze items have been recovered. The ancient theater was built on the slope of a hill quite close to the city center. The theater is composed of three main parts and unlike most theaters of the day, has a tunnel 56 meters long and 8 meters wide. Decorated with many fine reliefs, the theater's estimated capacity was 5000 people.
The Roman Baths (1st-2nd century AD) located in the northwestern corner of the city, was constructed in a style reminiscent of the prevailing architectural style. In the baths are the cool, warm and hot sections as well as dressing rooms, water jugs and storage areas.
The Stadium, which sits up on the foothills of the Sultan Mountains west of the acropolis, was built during the Hellenistic period. It is 190 meters long and 30 meters wide. This structure which once hosted sports activities such as wrestling and boxing, was destroyed by fanatics. At one time the scene of combat for gladiators and wild animals, the stadium is wrapped in the glory of old Rome.
The church of St. Paul, which is enormously important for tourists of the Christian faith, is the first and biggest church in Antiocheia. It is located 200 meters south of the Roman Baths. It is a basilica. Researchers at the site have discovered a smaller church constructed much earlier than the present one. The mosaics which adorn the floor and the column-lined wall are quite impressive. Underneath the smaller church the remains of a synagogue have been discovered. There are numerous graves and skeletal remains within the church. The name of Optimus, an Orthodox leader who was the bishop of Antiocheia between 375-381 AD, can be found among the inscriptions in the church.
In 46 AD, accompanied by Baranabas, St. Paul gave his first sermon in the synagogue discovered underneath the church. The church was the scene of many more sermons given by famous saints visiting the site.
The aqueducts which have come to symbolize the city, were built in the Roman era. Stretching all along the northern side of the city, the aqueduct brought water from a source 10 km away. These aqueducts, which brought the life-giving water to the city, stand erect today in obstinate defiance of the ravages of time and war.
The Sacred Site of Men
Men is the ancient moon God of Anatolia which was worshipped as far back as the 3rd millenium BC and who occasionally graced the coins minted in the area.One of the Men cult's most important centers, the ancient city of Antiocheia is adorned with many structures dedicated to the Men god. The Sacred site of Men is located 5 km from Yalvaç. The temple can be dated back to the 4th century BC. In addition to the temple, there are 2 churches,a stadium and residential dwellings.
LIMENIA ISLAND
Located 25 km from Yalvaç, this island in the middle of Lake Hoyran is an unique historical site awash with the mysticism of the past. Walls encircle the island. The location and architectural style of the Rock Tombs carved into the rocky slopes of the island never fail to attract the visitor's attention. Another historically important site on the island is the Monastery dedicated to Mary.
ROCK TOMBS
There are rock tombs of differing sizes carved into the rocky slopes rising out of Lake Hoyran. The most interesting tomb is the grave adorned with a pediment. It is possible to see Phrygian graves of a different sort here.
MOSQUES
Devlethan Mosque, Yeni Mosque and Leblebiciler Mosque are some of the well-known famous mosques of the area.
OLD BATHS
One of the Yalvaç's rarest treasures is the Old Baths built in the Ottoman tradition. Located in the neighborhood of Kaş, the Old Baths have dressing rooms, cold and hot sections, a water storage area and a boiler room.
TOKMACIK FOSSIL BEDS
A 9 million year-old fossil of a rhinoceros was found in the town of Tokmacık during excavations in 1994. The fossils of animals which lived 9-10 million years ago and which were unearthed in the excavations directed by Prof. Fuzuli Yağmurlu of Süleyman Demirel University were put on display at the Tortonion Museum in 1995.
CAVES
Akar-Donar Cave
Located on the north slope of Koçyata hill 3 km from the village of Dedeçam, it is a dry vertical cave.
Ayı Ini Cave
Northeast of Yalvaç in the southern foothills of the Sultan Mountains, it is on the upper portion of Nazilli Creek. It is a horizontal and dry cave. It appears to have been used for a variety of purposes most likely in the early Byzantine period. There are cisterns inside the cave.
Değirmen Önü (Mill) Cave
One km northeast of the town of Kozluçay, it is near Su Geçidi Creek. It is horizontal and dry.
PROMANADE
The Old Sycamore Tree, which has listened to the decisions which would affect the future of Yalvaç for centuries, sometimes waves its limbs as a sign of support for the local people. The locals have come to see the Old Sycamore Tree as a sign of good luck for the region.
With the most beautiful hues of pine green anywhere, Hıdırlık Hill is the site of many traditional celebrations. Other sites where history and nature embrace are Hisarardı, Su Çıktığı, Düzkır Forest, Gemen Korusu and Gazniri.
CHURCHES
St. Paul Church (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.
Aya Payana Church (Center): It is at the city center. It is thought to be constructed on 1750.
Aya Yorgi Church (Center): It is at the city center of Isparta. It is written that it is constructed on 1858 on its inscription.
Aya Stetfanos Church (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 - Kizildag 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 - Yazili 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 OF ISPARTA
Zindan Cave
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
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
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
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.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
Skiing Center: Mount Davraz that 25 kilometre away from Isparta, is one of the most important skiing centers of region.
WINTER SPORTS
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.
Youth Camps: at Isparta there are camps depended to Forest Ministry that makes use of by youths.
MUSEUMS
Isparta Museum: At the Isparta Museum that formed from 4 sections, archaeological, ethnographic, Yörük (nomads) and rug creations are exhibit.
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.
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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