Karacabey Floodplain Forest, floodplain forest in Bursa
Karacabey Floodplain Forest is a protected area in Turkey near the town of Yeniköy that connects river floodplains with forests across approximately 3000 hectares. The landscape supports elm, willow, ash, and alder trees alongside Mediterranean plants, and includes lakes called Poyraz and Dalyan where pike, carp, eel, and mullet swim.
The floodplain forest developed naturally where the Susurluk River flows into the Marmara Sea and was eventually recognized as a wetland of international importance, earning designation on the Ramsar list. Over time, the landscape evolved through cycles of snowmelt, rainfall, and sea waves, and today remains protected to maintain its delicate ecological balance.
The forest takes its name from the nearby town of Karacabey and holds importance for locals as a space for outdoor activities and nature connection. Visitors can observe how people use the area for walking, boating, and watching seasonal changes that transform the landscape throughout the year.
The area is reachable from Bursa in about one and a half hours of travel and is well signed along roads heading toward Izmir. Visitors should bring different gear depending on the season: in spring the ground is quite wet, making boat rentals a good option, while in autumn and winter waterproof shoes and raincoats are recommended.
The area supports around 300 bird species, including some found nowhere else, and nearby stands one of Turkey's largest linden tree forests. A small cafe set in a film location from the movie Recep İvedik offers visitors rest and refreshment.
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