IDA MOUNTAINS (KAZ DAGLARI)
The range of the Ida Mountains that Turkish people call ” Kaz daglari “ is located in the North-west part of Turkey on the Biga peninsula very close to Canakkale and its nearby and the highest point of the region with the altitude of 1700 metres high from the sea level. The highest points are Karatas Hill (1774m), Babatepe Hill (1765m) and Yellow Girl Hill (1726m). The range of the mountains are boaut 60-70 kms long and covers about 21.500 square acres. The decison of declaration as National Park was published in the Official Gazette of Turkey with the number 21555 dated 17.04.1993 by the Council of Ministers named Ida Mountain National Park. Ida Mountain National boundaries in the province of Balikesir Edremit district. There are a lot of small lakes, ponds, about 30 streams, 10 waterfalls, little woods, recreations areas and so many beauties which every one feels as walking in the paradise.
Due to Ida Mountain National park is located at the intersection of Aegean and Marmara regions, it is the under influence of two different climates so it has a rich variety of fauna and flora which have endemic species . Another function is the altiudute of over 1700 metres with streams and deep valleys make the area capable of growing all kinds of plants that is why it is called as one of the botanical gardens of Turkey.
Due to Ida Mountain National park is located at the intersection of Aegean and Marmara regions, it is the under influence of two different climates so it has a rich variety of fauna and flora which have endemic species . Another function is the altiudute of over 1700 metres with streams and deep valleys make the area capable of growing all kinds of plants that is why it is called as one of the botanical gardens of Turkey.
As for Flora approiximity of 800 plants belonging to 101 families have been identified by the Turkish scientist in this national park so far. 77 of these types can be grown only in Turkey. 29 out of 77 are endemic. On the southern slopes of Ida Mountains up to 200 meters from the sea level, olive trees, about 800 meters pine trees , up to 1500 metres larches and beaches can be grown as naturally. Endemic plants can be seen over 1550 mteres on the mountains.
Ida Mountain National Park has deep valleys and slopes with fed by streams and rivers are available for the rich diversity of plant communities so Khans, wild pigs, jackals, mountain deers, wolves, bears,rabbits, lynixes , squirrels and a lot of birds live here.
Stories, legends, rituals and beliefs abot Ida mountains in Turkey have been told for centuries and passed down from generations to generations as legacy, felt the presence of a synthesized culture. It houses a rich collection of oral heritage of the district.
Since it has been preserved as national park by Turish government, the visits and expeditions are allowed proceeded by expert guided with a special petmit a month before arrival.
Ida Mountain National Park has deep valleys and slopes with fed by streams and rivers are available for the rich diversity of plant communities so Khans, wild pigs, jackals, mountain deers, wolves, bears,rabbits, lynixes , squirrels and a lot of birds live here.
Stories, legends, rituals and beliefs abot Ida mountains in Turkey have been told for centuries and passed down from generations to generations as legacy, felt the presence of a synthesized culture. It houses a rich collection of oral heritage of the district.
Since it has been preserved as national park by Turish government, the visits and expeditions are allowed proceeded by expert guided with a special petmit a month before arrival.
Content Author : Mahmut ÖKÇESIZ
Page Editor : Mustafa Gökhan BULUT
Published : 28 August 2014
Page Editor : Mustafa Gökhan BULUT
Published : 28 August 2014