Türkeli: Local History, Beach and Nature

Explore Türkeli through a range of travel interests: local history, Kirazlı Bahçe Plajı beach in Gemiyanı, and natural attractions in the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Türkeli, distinguishing between locations can help with planning: the beach is in the Gemiyanı neighborhood, while Çatak Canyon Nature Park is about 25 kilometers away, in the village of Çatak. This places attractions in town alongside an excursion destination in the nearby area.

Local history between old names and maps

During the Ottoman period, the town was called Yarna. When it was established as a bucak (subdistrict), it was given the name Gemiyanı, which refers to a sunken ship found there. The names on maps have also changed: older maps identified the site of present-day Türkeli as Antonios Burnu, while newer maps call it Ayandon Burnu.

The names of both the settlement and the administrative unit were probably changed to Türkeli between 1923 and 1926. The town’s former names, its different names on maps, and the later name change each tell a different part of its history.

Canyon, waterfalls and nature in the surrounding area

Çatak Canyon Nature Park was designated a nature park on August 7, 2017, and covers 420.42 hectares. It is in the village of Çatak, in Türkeli District. Its features include a natural canyon, 39 recorded waterfalls, caves and karst formations. These landscape features offer a different focus from the beach and the town’s history. If you’re particularly interested in canyons, waterfalls or karst, you can include the nature park in your travel plans.

From Türkeli, the route leads via Kavakören and Sırakonak toward the village of Çatak. From Çatak, a paved gravel road continues onward; the park is about 25 kilometers from Türkeli. Plan it as a separate destination and check road conditions before you set out, as they can change. This keeps the distance and journey separate in your day’s plans from the attractions in the Gemiyanı neighborhood.

Part of the Zindan Forests lies within Türkeli District. This adds another connection to the local landscape at the district level, alongside the nature park.

Beach and trails in Türkeli

Kirazlı Bahçe Plajı is in the Gemiyanı neighborhood. A record dated July 29, 2024, lists it as a publicly operated beach and notes that a lifeguard was on duty that day. Lifeguard coverage can vary by season. If it matters for your plans, check current staffing before your visit.

Türkeli Çayı Yaşam Vadisi offers another way to experience the surrounding area. A description from 2020 mentions a cycling path as well as areas for walks and hikes. Cycling, walking and hiking are therefore different activities associated with Yaşam Vadisi. As facilities can change, check their current status before your visit.

A glimpse of an event in Türkeli

The Türkeli Municipality held the “Tarihi Türkeli Panayırı, Plaj Şenlikleri ve Bal Festivali.” The program included a competition for the heaviest honeycomb. Residents of Türkeli and people who had returned from abroad took part. The honey competition and the participation of these groups offer a concrete glimpse of the festival, alongside the place names, landscapes and beach destinations that also shape Türkeli.

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