A Geopark Candidate, Bozkır-central Turkey

Abstract

Bozk & imath;r is an old town established on the skirts of the Taurus Mountains, and contain various tectonic units, eg. Bozk & imath;r unit, extending laterally several hundreds of kilometres. The Bozk & imath;r unit typically crops out and hence named around Bozk & imath;r district. It is formed by deep sea sediments, ophiolites and submarine basic volcanic rocks, all of which overlied by well-exposed Paleogene and Neogene? units. Bozk & imath;r is rich not only for its geological occurrence, but also for its culture, history and nature. Bozk & imath;r is in a central position of ancient Isauria and represented by Zengibar castle. The town has also a bridge of Seljuk period and various Seljuk and Ottoman Mosques. & Ccedil;ar & scedil;amba stream, source of the life in the region, is originated from Taurus Mountains both as Ayg & imath;r spring, and as leakage from Sar & imath;ot lake. It crosses from various villages and town up to Mavi Gorge to meet with the water channel. All of which suggest that Bozk & imath;r district should be declared as a Geopark.