Acarlar Floodplain Forest

Acarlar Floodplain Forest is a nature reserve in Turkey where deciduous trees grow in waterlogged soil throughout the year, creating a landscape of wetlands that covers a substantial area. The forest structure consists of water-saturated zones where trees and aquatic vegetation thrive together in the flooded sections.

The forest ecosystem formed naturally over centuries as coastal barriers and freshwater sources combined to create waterlogged conditions. This gradual geological process established the foundation for the rich plant and animal life that exists there today.

Local people fish in certain sections of the forest using methods passed down through generations while supporting efforts to protect native species. This balance between traditional livelihoods and conservation shapes how the community relates to the landscape.

You can walk through the forest on wooden walkways or join guided boat tours that travel through the flooded sections. Wear proper footwear and stay on marked paths since conditions change with the seasons.

The reserve contains the largest continuous floodplain forest system in Turkey, where roughly 200 bird species find habitat alongside numerous aquatic plants. This remarkable concentration of bird diversity makes it a destination worth exploring for anyone interested in wildlife.