KIRKLARELI TOURIST GUIDE

TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO ALL THE BEST PLACES IN AND AROUND KIRKLARELI

CONTENTS
DUPNISA CAVE FATIH AHMET BABAS TOMB FATIH CANNONBALL FOUNDRY INEADA CITY INEADA LAKES AND LONGOZ FORESTS NATIONAL PARK KANLIGEIT EXCAVATIONS

KAZANDERE CAVE
KIRKLARELI MUSEUM KIYIKY ST. NICHOLAS MONASTERY PINARHISAR CASTLE

SEYFIOLU BASTION
SMALL HAGIA SOFIA VIZE AMPHITHEATRE VIZE FORTRESS

YENESU CAVE

DUPNSA CAVE
Dupnisa Cave is in the town of Demirky and located 6 km far from south west of the village of Sarpdere. It is 230 Kms far from stanbul. HISTORY It is predicted that, the cave formed during the second geological time nearly 180 million years ago. Dupnisa Cave, Thrace's first and only cave which was offered to tourism, is in a region where Rezve Stream which chapped Istranca Mountains and formed canyons and which forms Turkey-Bulgaria border and with a wild view. PRESERVATION The area is under preservation.

AREA DESCRIPTIONS Total lenght of Dupnisa Cave which is considered of two layers and three caves having different developmental features is 2720 meters. Hydrological features, developmental stages, fauna density, meteorological features and in-cave dripstone deposits of the three caves which developed through a height of 70 meters are extremely different from each other. Having three caves in contradiction one on the top of other is very interesting. Kuru Cave (Dry Cave), which is on the top, is very rich in terms of dripstone deposition. Especially stalactite, dickite, column and wall dripstones are huge. On the other hand, Sulu Cave (Wet Cave), under the former, has underground streams and lakes ; wall and curtain dripstones fall down on those streams and lakes like fringes which make the cave interesting. In the Kz Maaras (Maiden Cave) approximately 60.000 bats from 11 species spend the winter period. For the reproduction of those bats, the Maiden Cave is closed to the visitors between November 15 and 15 May every year but the Dry Cave is opened to the tourism throughout the year. Thus, the system which formed by Kuru (Dry) and Sulu (Wet) Caves is quite suitable for tourism. Additionally, natural beauty increases the touristic importance of the cave. Especially in summer, it is flooded by thousands of visitors. Dupnisa Cave is from one of the well-known caves of Turkey with its natural beauty, streams, groundwaters, lakes and living creatures. From the colour of white to the red and brown, giant stalactites, stalagmites and columns can be seen in the cave.

FATIH AHMET BABAS TOMB

It is located at the entrance of the Erenler village in KrklareliPnarhisar district. It is 4 Km away from the east side of Pnarhisar. HISTORY Ahmet Baba was one of the appointed persons by Sultan Murat Hdavendigar for the conquest of Pnarhisar during the transitions of Ottomans to the Rumelia. During the fights, Ahmet Baba had dead as a martry after a hard fight spending 1001 arrows for killing him. This tomb had been constructed for him and for his brave fights with the order of Ottoman Ruler. PRESERVATION The Foundations Managing Authority Vakflar Genel Mdrl is responsinle for the preservation of the area. AREA DESCRIPTIONS His mausoleum was built in Erenler village in the second half of 14th century. The mausoleum is a building which has 8 corners, lancet arches on all fronts and seven windows like doors. The walls are thick and covered shipshape-cut sandstone. The dome is on the eightangled pulley and lead sheathing.

FATH CANNONBALL FOUNDRY

HISTORY From the 15th century to the middle of the 19th century the foundry had made manufacturing of cannonballs for Ottoman Empire. The name of the town comes from the rich iron resources of town - Demirky which means Iron Village-. The foundry was officially named as Demirky Tophane-i Amiriye Company. Before, the conquest of Istanbul, the cannonballs had been made in this foundry. Some war materials and a part of iron components used in vessel, cannon, and gun making of Ottoman armies were produced at Demirky Foundry. It is believed that, the foundry had the most advanced technologies of the period.

AREA DESCRIPTIONS Fatih Cannonball Foundry was established on a 10.000 m2 area. There are two different foundries at the site called as Small Foundry and Large Foundry At the Small Foundry which is 230 m away from the Large Foundry, there are 2 melting and fusing ovens. In this complex, where iron casting was made with the latest technology of its period, it is thought that continuous production was made from the 15th century to the end of the 19th century. After completion of excavation works, it will be turned into outdoor museum and brought in Krklareli tourism. It is envisioned that the revealed facilities are restored and the foundry is arranged to be an open-air industrial museum when the excavations which are under supervisiory of Krklareli Museum and with the participation of numerous scientist from different universities, are finished.

NEADA CITY

neada is within the borders of Demirky district, Krklareli and the border of Bulgaria. neada which is 25 Kms to Demirky, 97 Kms to Krklareli, 165 Kms to Edirne and 250 Kms to Istanbul has a clean beach of 40-50 meters wide and nearly 10 Kms long. One can get access to the town through asphalt roads from everywhere. HISTORY It is estimated that, the first humans came to the region 1 million years ago who lived in neada in the caves. During the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, there were no permanent residential areas in the region. The Thracians, BC 2000, were the first communities started the permanent life in neada. The Thyns, one of the family coming from the Thracians, were established a city around the region callled Thynias, as we name neada today. neada was one of the most popular cities around the region during BC 6th and the 7th centuries for about its volume of commerce and its facilities of art.

AREA DESCRIPTIONS neada is famous about its Longoz Forests, mountains, seas, lakes, its clean air, biodiversity, wildlife, sand dunes, fish species and medicinal plants found in the woods.There is also a significant potential in neada for eco-tourism. Honey, mushrooms, fruits, marine products, fish and sea fruits, handcrafts, dairy products and organic fruits are the most common products of the town.

There is a motel belonging to the Special Administration, training and recreation facilities of some public institutions and some housing near the town center. There are also some facil ities such as restaurants, tea gardens, WC's and showers around the beach.
neada attracts attention especially with numereous 1st degree protected areas near it. There are pensions in which the visitors can stay and find lots of activity opportunities according to their field of interest.

Some of them can be summarized as the following : Sea water and sand in June,July, and August are very suitable to have a swim in neada which is one of the most beautiful coastal area of the Black Sea. There are good opportunities for bird watching for neada which is on the route of migrotory birds. Mountain biking in the forest, trekking, camping can be done in the beautiful forests. Observing plant diversity is possible due to the plant diversity. Historical ruins in the region (Liman Light, Sislioba Castle, Hamdibey Castle, Gkyaka Castle) and the sunk ships may be visited. There are places where the local food can be tasted.

NEADA LAKES AND LONGOZ FORESTS NATIONAL PARK

neada lakes are located within the borders of neada. HISTORY The area is defined as a National Park on 13.11.2007 PRESERVATION National Park AREA DESCRIPTIONS The lakes within the borders of neada are famous with its multiple species of fishes and oxygen-rich atmosphere. Although neada has 7 lakes, the most important ones are Mert Lake, Hamam Lake, Erikli Lake and Saka Lake. The first lake Mert Lake is just about 12 Kms far away from the Bulgarian border. It is known that, in the lagoons of neada, in the lakes, on the wetlands and on the streams 30 different species of fish live. According to the the Berne Convention 8 species of fish are described as "species in need of protection". These are Chalcalburnuschalcoides, Syngnathus abaster, Neogobiusfluviatilis, Aspius Aspius, Alburnoidesbipunctatus, Rhodeus Amarus, CobitisTaenia Chondrostoma Nasus. Mert Lake has the highest diversity of fish between those lakes. Hamam and Pedina Lakes can also be defined as an accommadation point for birds, wild ducks and swans coming from Bulgaria, Russia and from the Danube River.

The Longoz forests which are completely covered with water during winter and spring has a floristic composition of mixed forest trees of 8-15 meters tall. The mixed forests consist of trees named dibudak, kayn, sapl mee, sapsz mee, ova akaaaac, nar yaprakl akaaa, vez, hlamur, kzlaa, mrver, kzlck, karaaa, grgen. Since the alluvial soils have more intensive microorganism activities, the forests and the other plants in this region start vegetation earlier than the other plants. The protection of the habitat of these forests has crucial importance. Because, these forests are not only a rare natural value for Turkey but also for Europe.

Hamam Lake: This lake, 20 Kms south of neada, which is surrounded by forestland is 2 Kms to the Black Sea and 20 meters elevation from sea level. Its square measure is 19 hectares and the deepest point is 2.6 meters. The lake which is supplied by numerous streams from inside the forest transfers excess water into Bulank Stream through a channel in the Southeast. Perch and crayfish take an important place in the fauna of the lake. Saka Lake Longoz: It is in the south of neada and was formed through the filling of Bulank Stream. The lake has nearly 5 hectares of land with reed fields. This land is submerged in Spring and Autumn due to the increase in water levels and is a longoz found rare in Turkey and Europe. There are alders, witch elms, European ashes, oaks, hornbeams, common beeches, black poplars, willow trees, limes and walnut trees in the longoz. It was declared as a protected area in 1988.

Pedina Lake: This lake which is 25 Kms south of neada and 5 Kms west of Hamam Lake is fully in the forest like Hamam Lake. The square measure of the lake is 10 Hectares and the deepest point is 2.10 meters. The lake which is supplied bu numerous streams from inside the forest and also by Pedina Stream transfers excess water into Bulank Stream through a channel. neada region has a rich biological diversity and natural balance in the region was not disturbed. Approxtimately 670 plants exist in the region. Mammals such as deer, roe-deer, wild boar, wolf, fox, jackal, wildcat, weasel, mustelid, bat, otter and 194 bird species such as pygmy, cormorant, white-tailed eagle, lesser kestrel, grey-headed woodpecker, lizard, green lizard, copper skink, snake, turtle and insects such as butterfly and fish such as anchovy, monkey goby, wolfish, spirlin, narroe-snouted pipefish, bitterling, painted comber live in neada longoz forest region.

KANLIGEIT EXCAVATIONS

HISTORY Kanlgeit dates back to the Early Early Bronze Age in the 3rd Millennium, being the earliest example of urbanization in the Balkans. It is also the only Anatolian colony settlement in Thrace in the Early Bronze Age. The settlement consists of a residential section over a large area, and a citadel surrounded by city walls. The excavations which started in Kanlgeit in 1994 were completed in 2009, and the citadel was restored and opened as an open-air museum same year. Settlement in Kanlgeit dates back to 3200 BC and it has continued its existence as a large village in wooden architecture until 2400 BC similar to the other parts of the Balkans and Thrace. It has been understood that Kanlgeit was completely restructed around that date, and then was exposed to the influence of Anatolian cultures for the first time.

AREA DESCRIPTIONS The area where the former structures stood was filled to cover earlier remains and to raise the area of the new settlement, imitating the mounds of Anatolia. The citadel was encircled by an enclosure wall and the flanks of the hill were paved with cobbles, like in Anatolian towns. It has been understood that the settlement was planned and structured like the other contemporary Anatolian cities in that phase. The entrance to the citadel was transformed into a monumental gate with a stone tower. Within the citadel there are four buildings called megarons, set parallel to each other, and a large inner court reserved for ceremonies. This settlement is a smaller replica of the typical Anatolian city, the best model of which has been found at the second cultural level of Troy. While wooden buildings were widespread in the Balkans in that period, Kanlgeit is known to be the first Early Bronze Age settlement built by adobe on stone foundations.The biggest megaron of 24 meters in lenght in Kanlgeit is only 2 meters smaller than the big megaron on the second cultural level of Troy. Among the finds of this stage are wheel-made, red burnished vessels and clay figurines, evidently imported from Anatolia, and domestic horse bones. Kanlgeit dates to the era when horse was first domesticated, revolutionnizing long-distance travel. Kanlgeit excavations have revealed the richest collection of domestic horse bones in Turkey ; as wild horses were not present in Thrace, their extensive presence surmise that the caravan trade system had already emerged by the Early Bronze Age followed later by the example seen in Kltepe-Kani-Karum. After Kanlgeit was destroyed in 2050 BC, the area was left uninhabited for a period of thousand years.

KAZANDERE CAVE

Kazandere Cave is located near the Armaan village. It is 34 Kms far from the Krklareli. HISTORY There is no exact information about the formation of the cave. PRESERVATION There is no official preservation measures for Kazandere Cave.

AREA DESCRIPTIONS Kazandere Cave is a recently discovered cave by the trekkers. After the discovery of the cave, the authorities started to make studies regarding the cave's age, formation and particularities. Special equipments and knowledge is necessary in order to enter the cave. The enterance is only reccomended to the exprienced cave explorers. It is estimated that the length of the cave is 1.684m, and the depth is 170 m. It is described as a marvel of nature. There are stalactites and stalagmites in the cave developed in the centuries. The authorities are planning to include the cave to the list of Officially Preserved Heritages There are five more caves which are suitable for tourism within provincial borders of Krklareli, in Istranca Forests. Those are ; Yenesu Cave Vize / Balkaya 1620 Mts Domuzdere Cave Vize / Balkaya 300 Mts Kyky Cave Vize / Kyky 365 Mts Kaptann Cave Vize / Kyky 39 Mts Dupnisa Cave Demirky / Sarpdere 2720 Mts

KIRKLAREL MUSEUM

Krklareli Museum is located at the center of Krklareli. HISTORY Constructed as municipality building at the time of Tenant Neet Paa and Mayor Hac Mestan Efendi in 1894, the two storey registered building was visited by the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatrk on 20th of December, 1930. Used until 1962, the building was completely abandonned in 1970's. Restoration works were started by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1983 and opened as Krklareli Museum on the 14th of January, 1994. PRESERVATION Under Preservation

AREA DESCRIPTIONS The museum consists of 3 parts and there is embalming animals exhibition consisting of animals lived and living in our region at Culture and Nature Hall on the ground floor. The exhibition that is formed and donated to the museum by embalming artist from Pnarhisar, Niyazi Savc and that consists of about 100 sea and land animals in 76 different species is the most interesting part of the museum. Works of art that are dig out in excavations of Babaeski - Dncl, Vize akl,Yndolan Tumulus,Vize Antique Theatre and Demirky Iron Foundry that are under direction of the museum are exhibited in archeology sections on the upper floor of the museum. Works of art in this part are dated between 4th century BC and 1800's AD. In addition, works of art that are dig out in Aa Pnar and Kanlgeit Excavations started under direction of Istanbul University, Head of Prehistory Department, Prof. Dr. Mehmet zdoan and maintained in summer each year since 1993 belonging to 6800's BC (Neolithic and Chalcolitic Periods) are exhibited in seperate parts.

In the part that is related with ethnographic works in the museum, depictions belonging to village life in Krklareli region, local dresses and hand made products and accessories, guns and other ethnographic works of art are exhibited. In addition, a part of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman period coins can also be seen in Krklareli Museum. The main purpose of the Krklareli Museum is to support the historical and archeological researches around the Krklareli region. According to the statistics of 2004, 610 etnographic pieces, 1487 archeological pieces, 2285 pieces of historical coins and 15 pieces of official stamps are preserved at the Krklareli Museum. Those pieces start chronogically from the pre-historic preiods and go up to the Turkish Republic period. The registration of cultural and natural heritage is also one of the primary tasks of Krklareli Museum. According to this purpose, Krklareli Museum has registered 106 archeological sites, 3 city sites, 4 historical sites, 13 natural sites and 246 individual buildings.

KIYIKY ST. NICHOLAS MONASTERY

Kyky Aya Nikola Monastery is located on the southern slope of Kyky town, at Pabudere road and it is 700 meters far from the town. HISTORY The monastery of St. Nicholas is one of the most important and interesting architectural buildings of the region. It was cut into the large rock mass in the IV. Century. The monastery was built in a prosperous time, under the sovereignty of the Byzantine Emperor Justinan (527 AD 565 AD). It is one of the best examples of rock monasteries of the Byzantine period. PRESERVATION The area is under preservation. AREA DESCRIPTIONS There is a church on the ground floor, and much below that a holy spring, and at the top rooms belonging to monks. There are also holes in steps created by carving. In the north, the holy spring of orthodox Greeks is reached going down the stairs. There is a second entrance in the east of the church. The front of the rock galleries was completed with a wooden part by Greeks in the 19th century. It is a very attractive point for both domestic and international tourists.

SEYFOLU BASTION

Seyfiolu Bastion is located on 3 km away from the northeastern part of Krklareli city center. HISTORY During the late Ottoman period many military facilities were built at various locations in Thrace. According to the needs of the period, Seyfiolu Bastion was made for defensive purposes during the Balkan Wars in 1877. PRESERVATION The area is under preservation.

AREA DESCRIPTIONS The bastion was built in separate sections, with rectangular cut stone, and with a U-plan. In order to prevent artillery firings, bastions top part was covered with earthfill. The bastion has windows which are round-arched and rectangular. Bastion's fronts are towards to the North side and surrounded by ditches around. Seyfiolu Bastion has come to our today without much attrition. It is a particular and well preserved structure built in 1877 right to the north east of the center of Krklareli.

SMALL HAGIA SOPHIA

The Small Hagia Sophia is located in Vize town, Kale Quartier.

HISTORY It was built in the 6th century during Justinian period and designed as a mosque in the second half of the 14th century. In 2006, it was restored by Regional Directorate of Foundations and reorganized as a mosque. PRESERVATION The area is under preservation. AREA DESCRIPTIONS Around the building, archaeological excavation works carried out by Krklareli Museum and Trakya University, the Department of Art History and Archaeology. The building, which attracts attention regarding its similarity to Hagia Sophia Church, is rectangularplanned such squareplanned.It has three abscissas. The building is separated in three parts by three feet having diameters of 1.30, 1.40 cms and columns next to them. The caps of the marble columns are Corinth style. Mosaics, which do not exist unlike the columns, are similar to the ones found in the excavation between Hagia Sophia Church and St. Irene Church.

VIZE AMPHITHEATERE
VZE AMPHITHEATER Theatre is located in the centre of Vize town

HISTORY Vize Amphitheatre is the only significant ancient theatre of Thrace which were uncovered. It is predicted that the theatre belongs to the late Roman period around AD II. Century.

AREA DESCRIPTIONS Theatre excavation was realized in Vize district for three years in 1995, 1996 and 1997 with contribution of Trakya University Archaeology and Art History Department under head of Krklareli Museum. The Unique known theatre from Roman Period has been revealed as result of excavation. The theatre has a capacity of about 4000 audiences and walking steps are fully made of marble. A big size woman statue was found during excavation works performed at theatre area in 1995 and 4 stage reliefs during excavation works performed in 1996. These works of art are exhibited at Krklareli Museum. 21 Parcels surrounding the theatre are have been nationalized with the purpose of revealing the theatre completely and making it a ruin. The theatre will be brought in Krklareli tourism with a wide range scientific excavation to be performed in following years.

VIZE FORTRESS
Vize Fortress is located in Vize town, Kale Quarter. HISTORY Vize Fortress surrounds the north and west of the city in Kale Quarter. It is supposed that it was first built in 7276 BC. It was restored later by Justinian in Byzantine period between the years 527-565. It was constructed by having added up clear-cut big stones and mortared them. Those city walls were built with the blocks of soft sandstones.

PRESERVATION The area is under preservation. AREA DESCRIPTIONS There is filled construction work behind the covered stones. The masses on the ground are between 50x80 and 100x150 cms. Clear-cut bluish stones were used in the walls in the north of the city. It is understood that the building was reconstructed in the Late Byzantine Era. Castle consists of two parts, internal and external castles. The construction of the high bastion and the dominating bastion in the southwest near the river was started in Commenler Era, in late 12th century and finished in Paleologists Era. Western and southern parts of old Vize city walls are still available.

YENESU CAVE

Yenesu Cave is located in the Vize-Balkaya village. HISTORY There is no exact information about the formation of the cave. PRESERVATION There is no official preservation measures for Yenesu Cave. AREA DESCRIPTIONS Yenesu Cave is the third largest cave in Thrace. The interior views of Yenesu are extremely beautiful which covered with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, walls and stalactite pools. Stalactite pool and these figures give an air of magic to the cave. Yenesu Cave is located at the 20 km northwest of the Vize town and 2 km from the Balkaya village. Total length of 1620 m, consists of two branches in different developmental stages and levels. Debris at the entrance hall connects the main gallery to the active part of the cave. Continuous flow in this section can be seen and the depth is ranging from 0.5 -1.5 meters at numerous stalactite pools.