A GEOPARK CANDIDATE, BOZKIR-CENTRAL TURKEY

Abstract

Bozkır is an old town established on the skirts of the Taurus Mountains, and contain various tectonic units, eg. Bozkır unit, extending laterally several hundreds of kilometres. The Bozkır unit typically crops out and hence named around Bozkır 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. Bozkır is rich not only for its geological occurrence, but also for its culture, history and nature. Bozkır 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. Çarşamba stream, source of the life in the region, is originated from Taurus Mountains both as Aygır spring, and as leakage from Sarıot lake. It crosses from various villages and town up to Mavi Gorge to meet with the water channel. All of which suggest that Bozkır district should be declared as a Geopark.