| Marmaris National Park | |
|---|---|
| Marmaris Milli Parkı | |
 A view from Marmaris National Park | |
  Marmaris NP | |
| Location | Marmaris,Muğla Province, Turkey |
| Nearest city | MMuğla |
| Coordinates | 36°50′44.83″N28°17′52.74″E / 36.8457861°N 28.2979833°E /36.8457861; 28.2979833 |
| Area | 33,350 ha (82,400 acres) |
| Established | 30 January 1996 (1996-01-30) |
| Visitors | 8.5 million (2021) |
| Governing body | Ministry of Forest and Water Management |
| Website | www |
Marmaris National Park (Turkish:Marmaris Milli Parkı), established on 30 January 1996, is anational park in southwestern coast of Turkey. The national park is located inMarmaris district ofMuğla Province.
Marmaris National Park was declared with the decision of theCabinet of Turkey, and announced in theOfficial Gazette on 30 January 1996. It is situated inMarmaris district ofMuğla Province on the southwestern coast of Turkey.[1] It covers an area of 33,350 ha (82,400 acres).[1][2] Being as part of the""Mediterranean Forests" of theWorld Wildlife Fund (WWF), it is one of the 200 ecological regions with global priority in terms of nature protection. It is in the "Mediterranean Region", which is one of the 25 hot and important points of the world in terms of marine biodiversity and threat.[3]
In 2021, the number of visitors amounted around 8.5 million.[4]
The geological structure of the area consists ofperidotite andlimestones,alluvium and slope debris. The oxidation ofCretaceous agedmagmatic rocks (peridotite) outcropping in the northwest of the area has led to red-colored appearances. Limestones outcrop in a wide area in the east of the field. The western part of the limestone outcrops is bedded, while the eastern part is massive.[2]
The national park's forest formation is composed of Turkish pine (Pinus brutia). Additionally, the endemic species Sweetgum treeLiquidambar) spreads in deep, moist and heavily soiled areas. In the valley, Turkish pine,oak,plane tree andalder compose different, mixed and impressive landscape. Tree-shapedMediterranean plants such as holly oak (Quercus ilex), kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), wild olive (Bontia),Arbutus, bladdernuts (Staphylea),sumac,carob, terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus), oleander (Nerium) and laurel are widely distributed in the national park. Of the 514 plant species identified in the park, 54 areendemic, 9 are locally endemic, 5 are endangered and 74 are rare in terms of danger class.[2]
The park is quite rich in wildlife. In the region between Köyceğiz and Marmaris, mammals, particularly the endangered species wild goat (Capra aegagrus), andbear,caracal,fox,squirrel,weasel,badger,wild boar andrabbit are also found. In the national park, 213 insect species, 35 fish species, 21 mammal species, 29 reptile species, 7 amphibian species and 112 bird species were identified.[2]
The region was historically namedCaria. Ancient settlementsAmos andPhyscus are located within the park area. The Caria settlement of Amos is surrounded by city walls, and anamphitheatre, a temple and some statue bases are found in Amos. The ancient city of Physcus, on the other hand, has fortifications built in theHellenistic period.[3]
The national park offers visitors opportunities for various recreational outdoor activities, such ashiking,trekking,mountain biking, botanical tours for endemic plants, rare flowering plants and mushrooms, wildlife observation tours,rock climbing,diving,angling,triathlon andorienteering competitions in the forest.[3]
The nearest city of Marmaris is 60 km (37 mi) far fromMuğla, 89 km (55 mi) fromDalaman Airport and 133 km (83 mi) fromMilas–Bodrum Airport. Marmaris can be reached on thehighway D-400 (E90) or by sea.[3]
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