05.11.2025 05:37
In the unique pulley oak forest located in the Eğirdir district of Isparta, trees that are over 1000 years old stand out with their autumn colors. Until the end of November, entry to the forest is only allowed with special permission for educational and scientific purposes. The fine for unauthorized entry to the forest is 557,212 TL.
In the village of Yukarı Gökdere, which is part of the Eğirdir district, the oak forest of the Kovalı Lake National Park, under the responsibility of the 6th Regional Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) Isparta Branch, was declared a 'Strictly Protected Sensitive Area' in 2019 with the signature of the President. The 1300-hectare forest, consisting of cork oaks that showcase the most beautiful colors of autumn from mid-October to the end of November each year, is a natural wonder with trees that are over 1000 years old and can only be found in Yukarı Gökdere in the world.
THE HIGHEST DEMAND IS IN AUTUMN
The highest demand for the forest, which can only be accessed with special permits for educational and scientific purposes, occurs in the autumn season. Those who enter the forest without permission can face fines of 557,212 TL for damaging biodiversity or penalties for violating the forest entry ban. The cork oaks, which exceed 30 meters in height and reach diameters of 1.6 meters, are found in small clusters and show the best growth in areas with deep soil and depressions.
CORK OAK IS AN ENDEMIC SPECIES
Mustafa Altunkup, the Chief of Kovalı Lake National Park, stated that the forest containing pure cork oaks between Eğirdir and Kovalı lakes was first declared a protected area in 1987. Altunkup noted that the cork oak in the forest is an endemic species, saying, "As a forest area, the cork oak is a nature conservation area located within the responsibility of our branch in the district. There are approximately 444 plant species in our area, of which 69 are endemic. Studies have identified 26 bird species. The area is located 69 kilometers from Isparta and 32 kilometers from Eğirdir," he said.
"THIS AREA IS PROTECTED 12 MONTHS A YEAR"
Mustafa Altunkup mentioned that there are those who wish to visit the area, stating, "How can you visit our area? We only allow visits for educational and scientific purposes. For this, you need to submit a written request to the DKMP Isparta Branch or the Kovalı Lake National Park Chief. Of course, our staff accompanies those who are granted permission in the forest. Normally, we have a forest entry ban until November 15th by the decision of the Governorship. Even if there is no entry ban, this area is protected 12 months a year. There is a forest entry ban for 12 months," he said.
EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS
Altunkup stated that the trees grow on the northeastern slope at altitudes between 1500-1800 meters, and in addition to the pure cork oak forest (the smallest piece of forest), mixed cork oak, Lebanese cedar, fir trees, maples, and tall junipers can also be seen in mixed stands. He explained that nature walking groups are also allowed into the forest with special permission for educational purposes, saying, "Since permission is obtained for educational purposes, we provide education here. Whether they are students or nature walkers. The importance of this place is that it is the only area in the world with forest status, and we conduct informative activities in schools and on-site regarding such matters," he stated.
THE SECOND THICKEST CORK OAK
On the other hand, in the endemic cork oak forest, there is also the second thickest cork oak in Turkey, which was measured in 2021, with a diameter of 1.37 meters, a circumference of 4.30 meters, and a height of 33.5 meters. The tree, known as 'Koca kasnak' (Big Cork), is kept under special protection in the Beşbahçe area of the forest. The cork oak, which is a species unique to our country and is facing the threat of extinction, is part of a unique ecosystem that contains the most beautiful examples of both pure and mixed with cedar and juniper.
The area is home to mammals such as wolves, jackals, lynxes, wild boars, and foxes, as well as a total of 27 bird species, including eagles, hawks, falcons, partridges, blackbirds, and juniper species. No tourist visits or activities are allowed in the area. It is prohibited to make fires and barbecues, hunt, cut trees, leave trash, set up tents, and camp in the forest, and no plants can be collected.