29.04.2026 01:49
Kemer Mountain, located in the Sazlı District of Aydın's Söke county, hosts a plant that is unparalleled in the world. This rare species, known among the public as "Little Bell," stands out as it grows only in this region. However, according to experts, this unique plant is facing the threat of extinction.
In addition to its natural and historical beauties, Aydın's Söke district, which also draws attention with its endemic plants, has begun to create a visual feast as the small bellflowers bloom.
In this context, the Ecosystem Protection and Nature Lovers Association (EKODOSD) drew attention to the Şarlak region, which also hosts the small bellflowers that grow only on Kemer Mountain in Söke, both in Turkey and worldwide. EKODOSD President Bahattin Sürücü, emphasizing that the Şarlak region must be protected as a whole for Söke's natural landscape, stated that the endemic plant, found only in the Sazlı region in the world, grows in calcareous rocky areas and has a very limited distribution area.
UNDER THREAT OF EXTINCTION Stating that the plant extends from the northwest of Sazlıköy to the rocky area opposite the Söke Organized Industrial Zone and the cement factory, Sürücü said; "The plant, scientifically named Campanula vardariana Bocquet and known colloquially as 'Small Bell', is distributed only on Kemer Mountain in Sazlı, a neighborhood of Söke, Aydın, in Turkey and the world. The conservation status category of the plant has been evaluated as 'Critically Endangered' (CR). The plant's distribution areas extend to the region known as Şarlak, where families from Söke used to come with their children for picnics in past years. Today, we conducted a field study together with Sazlı's Muhtar, Hasan Kahraman, to protect this plant, which grows only on the wild cliffs of Sazlı in Söke, and to make it known to the local people. Endemic species adapted to a specific geography represent genetic heritage and add value to their region in terms of botanical tourism due to their visual beauty and rarity. The population in Sazlı is under threat of extinction due to its very limited size and the industrial activities directly opposite it. The existence of such important living beings often goes unnoticed, and they silently disappear. Therefore, it is of great importance for the future of the species that endemic plants are recognized by local people and the necessity of their protection is explained. Our Muhtar of Sazlı, Hasan Kahraman, has shown significant sensitivity on this issue. We believe that the local people will protect the Small Bells and contribute to the conservation of the plant."
"WE WILL DO OUR BEST" Sazlı Muhtar Hasan Kahraman also said, "We have lived with an endemic plant until today, but we were never aware of it. It is a source of pride for us that this plant lives only here in the world. Thanks to EKODOSD, we have realized the existence and importance of the plant. Together with the people living in Sazlı, we will do our best to protect and promote the Small Bellflowers. We will hold meetings with school principals to develop projects so that students studying in our schools can recognize the plant and contribute to its protection."