Turkey's largest and most biodiverse national park
Botan Valley National Park
Botan Valley National Park is Turkey's largest and most biodiverse national park, established in August 2019 in the southeastern part of the country within Siirt Province. The park encompasses the Botan Valley, a historically significant area that spans across the central Siirt, Tillo, and Eruh districts. Covering approximately 120,000 acres with over 29 kilometers of marked routes, the protected area represents one of Turkey's newest and most ambitious conservation initiatives. The park's establishment was formalized through a presidential decision published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey on August 15, 2019, marking a significant milestone in the country's approach to preserving its natural heritage.
The valley offers a dramatic landscape characterized by its rugged terrain, steep valleys, and the winding Botan River that cuts through the region. The area has long been recognized for its ecological significance, supporting diverse habitats and vegetation types within the broader southeastern Anatolian landscape. The park is managed by the Directorate-General of Nature Protection and National Parks under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, ensuring coordinated conservation and visitor management. Beyond its ecological value, the park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including paragliding and rafting, making it a destination that combines natural preservation with adventure tourism potential.
