Kizilirmak Deltasi

Between 310 and 183 B.C. the delta of the old Halys formed the border between Paphlagonia and the Kingdom of Pontos. Now it is the biggest natural wetland area on the Turkish Black Sea coast. The eastern part of the delta is comprised mainly of brackish lakes (Cernek, Gici, Parali, Liman, Balik, Uzungöl, Tatli Göl) and lagoons with extensive reed beds. This delta where most of the Anatolian bird species are found is used primarily as a winter nesting site for waterfowl. In addition, in an area around Balik Gölü and Uzungöl (combined area 1,000ha./4sq.mi) lies a riverside forest (1,500ha./5.5sq.mi) of hornbeam, ash, alder and various species of oak. Sections of the woodland are overrun by climbing plants or covered with thick undergrowth, making an ideal habitat for many woodpecker species. Another phenomenon is the semi-wild dromedary of which there are believed to be about a hundred. Their existence in the area is attributed to the days of the semi-nomadic tribes. The Yürüks, a small tightly-knit tribe from the Adapazari region, settled here in 1915 in dwellings made from straw and they lived off the land.