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Köprülü Kanyon National Park
The name literally means the canyon with bridge(s). The
two Roman bridges crossing the crystal clear and ice
cold water almost at the source of the river that gives
the name to the canyon and the park and to the river as
Köprüçayi (Eurymedon). The traveler starts along the
river and after driving on the plain for a short while
starts to climb the mountains. The scenery is
magnificent. Cypress and cedar trees fill the deep
gorges with all shades of color mixed with olive, maple,
carob and judas trees crowding the road until they give
way to oak as you climb higher. The glimpses at the
river here and there add to the already great scenery
before your eyes. Picnics all along the river are a
common scene. Those who are looking for more go to the
picnic area designed at the spot where the two rivers
meet among the springs – you are very near the source.
One of the main activities on this river is rafting. The
flow of the river is very good for those who are new at
rafting and also for children of certain ages. The
scenery is just as beautiful now from any angle or view
from the river. Another attraction along this line is
the ancient city of Selge, higher up on the mountain. It
used to be a wealthy pre-Roman city which assisted
Alexander the Great in his expeditions in the mountains
and guided him towards Gordion of central Anatolia.
Sadly, it is out of sight and kind of out of heart, but
it has a lot to offer the curious ones. |