Sultan Marshes National Park, on the skirts of Erciyes Mountain, welcomes its visitors with its reeds exceeding human height and bird sounds.
Sultan Marshes, which was declared a “definitive sensitive area to be protected” in 2020, was named after the Ottoman Sultan IV. Murat’s stay here with his army for 3 months on his way to the 1636 Revan Expedition.
Located in Develi, Yahyalı and Yeşilhisar districts, approximately 75 kilometers from Kayseri, reed beds are among the most important wetlands in Turkey, as they contain fresh and salt water lakes and host 301 bird species.
Being an important accommodation, breeding, rearing and feeding area for migratory birds, the reeds also attracts attention from nature and bird photographers.
Declared as a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR) in 1994, Sultan Marshes, which had almost completely dried up in the past years, regained its vitality with the commissioning of the Zamantı Tunnel and water replenishment.
Thanks to factors such as preventing illegal wells and hunting in the area, installing drip irrigation and sprinkler systems in order not to victimize the local people in agricultural activities in the region and to protect the water in the area, and regularly checking the field, Sultan Marshes, with its former glory, is among the sightseeing routes of local and foreign tourists. taking.
Visitors to the national park first get information about the reeds and the beauties it contains in the information hall at the Bird Museum. Visitors then tour the bird museum with replicas of 40 bird species living in the mile park. Visitors walking on two wooden walking paths with a length of 2,100 and 2,200 meters experience peace in the middle of the reeds, accompanied by the sounds of birds.
Visitors who go up to the bird watching towers both witness the splendor of Mount Erciyes and observe the birds.
Domestic and foreign tourists coming to Sultan Marshes National Park can also relax in the RAMSAR area in the Sindelhöyük District of Develi district, drink tea in the cane camellias, and tour the region on horseback.
There is also a bird rehabilitation center
Among the visitors of the national park, Erciyes University (ERÜ) Vice Dean of Veterinary Faculty Prof. Dr. Ali Cesur Onmaz told Anadolu Agency (AA) that Sultan Marshes are one of the best places for birds to take shelter as a natural habitat.
Stating that every area for birds in the national park is monitored, Onmaz said, “There is also a bird rehabilitation center here. Injured birds can be treated here if there is a treatment opportunity. There are bird watching rooms and natural walking areas for visitors. For those who want to be together with nature and creatures, especially birds. It is a place where you can have a great time, we highly recommend it. I recommend it to those who have never been to it.” he said.
Photographer Ahmet Topaloğlu said that he set out with a travel program for a photo shoot, and that he came to the bird watching spots of Sultan Marshes after the RAMSAR area in Sindelhöyük District.
Topaloğlu stated that it is necessary to come to the area early in the morning to photograph bird species. for me.” said.
