KARABURUN PENINSULA

 

 

 

The Karaburun Peninsula , located on the Turkish Aegean coast has been selected for the implementation of the Stylarius project. Its geographical, historical and socio-economic features meet the best the aims of the project. It has retained its varied and rich historical past as it has only recently had some development. This, in turn, has guaranteed the survival of many traditions, as well as protecting the unspoiled nature and typical hospitality of its people.  

Despite being part of the rest of Anatolia , some remarkable regional traditions and peculiarities have remained to form an essential base for the development of alternative tourism, and especially eco-tourism.  

Geography 

The Karaburun Peninsula lies on the Turkish Aegean coast and has a difficult geographical profile. The Bozdag mountain range is 1218m high and forms the backbone of the peninsula. Left and right of the mountain range the landscape is characterised by steep slopes falling directly towards the sea creating little valleys with unspoiled beaches. What seems to be an obstacle for transportation, intensive agricultural activities and the development of larger settlements, has resulted in the creation of a natural region dotted with a multitude of colours and a profound natural dynamism. This combination represents a genuine potential for eco-tourism. Most of the coastal line ( 180 km ) has pebble beaches which many would consider a handicap. But it is precisely this characteristic that has protected the Karaburun Peninsula from the invasion of mass tourism and has therefore become an advantage.  

Because of its geographical profile, most villages have been built in the hills facing the surrounding Aegean Sea , while the small but very fertile delta's are used for agricultural purposes. But the lack of larger fields and the departure of the younger population in search of better job opportunities has resulted in a diminishing agricultural industry. Over the last decades the region has experienced an extensive economic and social set-back. That is the reason why it has become imperative for the region to adopt a new development model. A study by ‘The Izmir High Institute for Technology’ has also come to the conclusion that eco-tourism would be the major new development model for the Karaburun Peninsula .