Yazili Canyon

 canyon / gorge, interesting place

The Candir (YAZILI) Canyon
Epigrphic Canyon Nature Park (Sutculer) & King Road

Yazili Canyon is in the Sutculer District of Isparta, in the Mediterranean Region.

Lost in the mountains to the south of Lake Kovada and reached only by the most adventurous souls and the occasional tour group is yazili canyon. It’s a tranquil spot where a clear, swift flowing river emerges from a steep-sided canyon flanked by a well-preserved section of the ancient King’s road (Kral Yolu) which in the fifth century BC. stretched from the Aegean coast to Babylon.

During the Lydian period, Egirdir became very rich due to the King Road which starts from Ephesus to Babylon. King Road is passes through Candir which is located close to Egirdir. This area is perfect for climbing, trekking, jumping, and swimming, enjoying the virgin nature and history all together.

There are camping spots beside the water and following the gorge upstream you pass several inscriptions, from whence the canyon gets its Turkish name-Yazili meaning ‘with writing‘, cut in to cliff-face. Continuing along the path brings you in about 15 mn. To a meadow where a river-sized spring gushes from the mountainside. Swimming in the freezing water is possible in numerous shady pools. There’s tiny shop in the village of Candir, 1, 5 km. below the canyon, and you can usually buy trout from fish farms along the road.

The area is well known for its lakes and the picturesque views of the area, and also the rich variety of flora and fauna. The main species of plant are larch, alder, hairy oak, plane, juniper, walnut, locust, olive, oak, bay, oleander, myrtle, blackthorn, broom, wild rose, ivy and bracken. Pig, wild goat, fox, badger, sable, rabbit, squirrel, eagle, red vulture, falcon, pigeon, stock dove, and partridge also inhabit the park. The best time to visit is between April and October.

Getting to the Candir Canyon:

Candir is 65 km from Egirdir. There is no local dolmus transport. The park can be reached via the Isparta - Sutculer highway, and turning off at Sutculer for 8km. Isparta is well connected to the rest of Turkey by public transport.

If you have a car you can make your own daily trip. Don't forget bottles of water and swimming suits, and comfortable shoes. It is not a hard walk but it can be difficult without the correct gear.