Renowned for its unspoilt
landscape, flora and fauna, the Goller Bolgesi (Lake District) lies in
a mountainous area 150 km. north of Antalya. Burdur
is known throughout Turkey for its beautiful lakes, as well as for its
carpets and kilims. The city preserves excellent examples of Ottoman regional
architecture, in particular the Tasoda, Kocaoda (also known as Celikbas),
and Misirlilar Konaks or mansions. Dating back to the 17th century, both
the interior and exterior decorations reveal much of the Ottoman aesthetic
(Open weekdays except Monday). The Burdur Archaeological Museum houses
some very important artifacts from around the region (Open weekdays except
Monday).
Burdur Lake, which nice beaches for swimming, is a superb location for waters sports. A climb to the top of Susamlik Hill gives you a panoramic view over the city and lake. The Insuyu Cave, 10 km. south on the road to Antalya, is 597 meters long, with nine distanct pools and chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. A hundres kilometers southwest
of Burdur, in Golhisar (Cibyra), are ruins mostly from Roman times, of
an important ancient northern Lycian city with a stadium, lower and upper
agora, theater, necropolis and large aqueducts. Also in the region trapped
in the mountains 1.050 meters above sea level, is beautiful Lake Salda,
an ideal location for relaxation and cooling off on the sandy beaches or
in the lþakeside cafes, hotels and restaurants.
Between Burdur and Isparta, near the town of Aglasun, is the ancient site of Sagalassos, a Pisidian city with ruins from Roman times including a monumental entrance gate, colonnaded street, agora, temple and magnificent theater. Isparta, high
in the Taurus Mountains, is a city of lakes with lovely coastal areas overgrown
in the spring and summer with an exuberance of wild flowers. In the city
you should stop at the Ulu Mosque built in 1417 by the Seljuks. The Bedesten
or covered bazaar, dates from 1561. Firdevs Pasa Mosque was built in the
16th century by the great Ottoman architect Sinan. Be sure to see the 14th
century Isparta Castle. Rose gardens that produce rose oil for the cosmetic
industry surround the city and fill it with their sweet scent. Other souvenirs
include a thickly piled Isparta carpet. In the nearby hills, the district
of Kirazlidere and Sidre are popular with visitors who want to relax and
enjoy the view. South of Isparta, Golcuk Lake, encircled by aromatic pine
forests, rests at an impressive 1.405 meters above sea level. Egirdir,
at the southern end of Lake Egirdir, is set in idyllic natural surroundings.
Among the man-made monuments, Egirdir Castle built by the Lydian King Croesus
shows the additions and renovations of the Romans, Byzantines and Seljuk
Kemerli Minare has felt the changes of the modern world-today it stands
in the middle of a road. At lakeside restaurants you can sample white bass,
the local speciality. A boardwalk connects the shore to Egirdir Island
where weavers erect their looms and work outside their houses.
On the western side of the lake, up in the hills, Barla's guest-houses provide a wonderful opportunity for relaxation. Kovada National Park, 30 km. south of Lake Egirdir, surrounds Kovada Lake, a pristine and cool mountain gateway. Northeast of Isparta, Yalvac stands near the ancient city of Pisidian Antioch. This area was visited by St Paul and St.Barnabas in 46 A.D. Among the ruins be sure to see St. Paul's Basilica, the aqueducts, Augustus' Temple, the theater and public baths as you walk along the city's marble streets. The archaelogical Museum in Yalvac itself displays several important regional artifacts. Tourists will find not only leather clothing but many interesting traditional souvenirs made animal hide. East of Yalvac, atop Karakuyu Hill, is the sanctuary of the Moon God (called Men) and the view drom it is breathtaking. Giant cedar trees grow in Kizildag National Park, south of Yalvac, amid one of Turkey's most splendid landscapes. |
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