national parks Aegean

Besides being the most popular holiday and entertainment destination of the summer months, the Aegean coast is arguably one of the most interesting places in Türkiye. Here, green and blue meet, and history and geography present themselves in all their glory.

Başkomutan (Commander-in-Chief) National Historical Park, Afyon, Kütahya and Uşak 

Commander-in-Chief National Historical Park (Başkomutan Tarihi Milli Parkı) is within the borders of the provinces of Afyon, Kütahya, and Uşak. It was declared a historical national park because it is a site of national historic significance associated with the Turkish War of Independence, a war that gave birth to the Republic of Türkiye.

The park is located on the battleground of the Battle of Dumlupınar or the “Field Battle of the Commander-in-Chief” (Başkumandanlık Meydan Muharebesi) as it is known in Türkiye. The battle took place on August 26-30, 1922. The park has many monuments that pay tribute to important events in the history of the republic.

There are over 60 plant species in the park, many of them endemic, and a very rich and diverse fauna.

Marmaris National Park, Muğla

The Marmaris National Park is located at the intersection of the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. The park encloses all the beauty of the Mediterranean climate and vegetation. In addition, it bears traces of the centuries-old cultural heritage of the Aegean civilizations.

Turkish sweetgum (oriental sweetgum) trees, which are densely found in coastal parts, are an endemic plant species identified with this national park.  At the park, you can enjoy walking in the dense forests of pine trees and sweetgum trees. 

The park is accessible by public transport from Marmaris – the drive from Marmaris to the park is approximately 10 minutes.

Mount Spil National Park, Manisa

Declared a national park in 1968, there are deep valleys surrounding Mount Spil (Spil Dağı) and stream beds within them. The mountain is densely forested.

The park has a rich flora, including endemic species such as the Manisa tulip. Recently placed under protection, this wild tulip is one of the 17 tulip species found in Türkiye.   Mount Spil is also famous for its wild horses that are specific to the region.