Tourist information about the sites

Last updated on 16.8.2021

Tourist information about the sites

Municipality of Ivaylovgrad – Characteristics of the region – Why was this location chosen for the project?

S. Lambuch is located in the Eastern Rhodopes, away from the main road and the noise of the city and is a superb place to rest. The nature is remarkable – intact, clean and untouched by human activity, with magnificent landscapes with mild mountainous and semi-mountainous relief. The choice is also justified by its geographical and cultural-historical location, in close proximity to the Ivaylovgrad dam. In the village of Lambuh there is also the monastery church “St. Peter and Paul” (three-nave pseudo-basilica), built at the beginning of the 19th century.

The Ivaylovgrad Dam is located in the narrow valley of the Arda River. Most of the territory is covered by deciduous forests. A large area is occupied by both xerothermic scrub and xeromesophyte grass formations. In places there are isolated rocks and rock walls. Cultivable lands are located around the dam and the leveled areas on the slopes of the mountain. In and around its floodplain there are silty-sandy areas and meadows. Half of the territory is occupied by mixed forests of cerris /Quercus cerris/ and blagun /Q. frainetto/ with Mediterranean elements.

163 species of birds have been found in the area of the Ivaylovgrad dam. The area is one of the most important places in Bulgaria of importance for the European Union for the protection of the habitats of the sea eagle /Haliaetus albicilla/, osprey /Pandion haliaetus/ and little eagle /Hieraaetus pennatus/ that nest here. There are stable populations of the black stork /Ciconia nigra/ and the goshawk /Pernis apivorus/. The White-fronted Magpie /Lanius nubicus/ and the Great Olive Mockingbird /Hippolais olivetorum/ also nest in the area. The dam is one of the important wetlands in the Eastern Rhodopes for wintering waterfowl. The great white heron /Egretta alba/ and the little merganser /Mergus albellus/ regularly winter here.

With the implementation of the project, its goal was achieved, namely:

Diversification and improvement of tourism infrastructure, attractions and visitor facilities.

The ultimate goal of the implemented complex of events is to create a tourist destination for ecotourism in the territory of the village of Lambuh, through the built tourist sites and the implementation of a model of a complex sustainable tourist product with a system for offering, advertising and realization of the tourist service.

With the implementation of the project, the rehabilitation of existing hiking trails was carried out, including the formation of the ground base with partial excavations and embankments, the laying of new pavement and the cutting of protruding branches and bushes. In appropriate places, corners for relaxation and observation of natural features were built by installing benches, pergolas, gazebos, tents, a boat shelter, a tourist shelter, an information center. Waste bins and signs were put up. For the future youngest visitors, a children’s playground was built with three elements: a swing, a slide and a climbing frame. According to the project, 6 units were also installed. lighting fixtures for street lighting with solar panels and LED lamps that do not use external electrical power.

The tourist trail from the Monastery Church of St. Peter and Pavel” to the area of Ayazmoto (Svetena Voda) has a route length of 775 m. The tourist road to the Ivaylovgrad Dam has a route length of 300 m. and the panoramic road from the Monastery Church “St. Peter and Pavel” to a tourist shelter with a route length of 4030 m.

After a contractor selection procedure was carried out, contract No. D-2/06.01.2022 was signed, subject: “Improving the conditions for access to natural, cultural and tourist sites by creating a zone for recreation and tourism in the village of Lambhuh”. With the Protocol for the opening of a construction site and determination of the construction line and level for the construction of the technical infrastructure from 23.06.2022, the SMR activities began. On 16.12.2022, a Constitutive Act was signed to establish the suitability for acceptance of the construction and the site, as with UVE No. 6/23.12.2022, it was put into operation.

KESHAN MUNICIPALITY – THE CITY THROUGHOUT THE CENTURIES

Keshan served as a transitional bridge from culture to culture to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires from continent to continent and was one of the main vessels on the Egnatia road route that connected Western Rome to Istanbul. The name of the district in ancient times was “Zerlanis”. BC to the region. It is understood from the sources that the settled Luwians gave this name. This name was also used during the Roman period. The region later remained under Greek, Persian, Macedonian and Byzantine administration, and in the second half of the 14th century it was under Ottoman rule.

The road connecting Istanbul and Edirne with Canakkale and the Mediterranean Sea passes through Keşan. It is located at the intersection of the Istanbul – Ipsala line. There are many places and villages of natural beauty in Saros Bay and Korudag area. The remains of the Thracian and medieval periods in the area are among the cultural tourism potential of Keshan. The fact that the region is on a transit path allows it to host many civilizations and therefore has many potentials both culturally and historically.

SAROS BAY – SHORE OF PLUM-SALT LAKE

The Gulf of Saros is rich in marine flora and fauna, as well as underwater archaeological finds, including the coast of Ericli. 144 species of fish, 34 species of fungi and 78 species of marine plants live in the Gulf of Saros, which is considered one of the three cleanest seas in the world. Located next to Erikli Beach, the Salt Lake was used to meet Istanbul’s salt needs during the Ottoman Empire period. Today it is a habitat of flamingo birds.

KESHAN HERSEKZADE AHMET PASHA MOSQUE

Keshan Hersekzade Ahmet Pasha Mosque was built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Grand Vizier Ahmet Pasha. The only minaret, the Keşan Hersekzade Mosque, which has a square plan, attracts attention with both its exterior and interior architecture. The mosque, which has a lead-covered dome, has a unique architecture with pencil engravings on its dome. In the sarcophagus on the right side of the mihrab is one of the holy relics “Sakal-ı Şerif”.

THE BUILDING OF THE OLD KESHAN HOSPITAL-KESAN CITY MUSEUM

The building, which was built between 1900 and 1910 in Ottoman architecture, was used as a military barracks during the Balkan Wars. The building is in the shape of the letter E and has two floors. The windows on the outside of the building are decorated with ram motifs and pointed arches. The building, which was used as a government hospital until 1982, is now used as the Keshan City Museum.

KESHAN HISTORICAL KINDERGARTEN

The building, which is the oldest school in Keshan, was built in 1905 as “Keshan High School”. After the year of liberation of Keşan in 1922, it was used as “Keşan Misak-ı Milli Mektebi”. The building is built with stone material as a single storey. The entrance to the building is symmetrical and has niches. The windows are low-arched and finished with keystone. Today it is used as the “Sevgi” kindergarten.

HISTORICAL KESHAN BATH WITH DOME BATH

Built in the early 16th century, Keshan’s historic domed Turkish bath has the distinction of being the largest surviving bath. Keshan stone was used for its construction, which is greenish in color, less hard and easy to work. The Turkish bath, which is located in the east-west direction, has a rectangular plan and an octagonal planned pool in the middle. There are 24 elephant-eye windows in the dome above the bathhouse.

KESHAN PLUS BAZAR

Keşan Plus Bazaar, which is a modern outdoor bazaar, is a traditional place for shopping. In the bazaar, where there are various outlets, visitors can satisfy all their needs. Keşan Art bazaar has benches to sit on and flower pots, as well as statues such as the tailor who sews and the Turkish theater hero Keşanlı Ali.

KESHAN HISTORIC SHOE BAZAR

The historic Shoe Bazaar usually consists of shops with shopping traditions from the Ottoman period. The lower floor of the buildings, which were built with Keshan stone material as two floors, was used as a shop and the upper floor was used as a residence. Today, these buildings have been restored and shopping areas have been created. It covers the areas of Çeşme Shoe Bazaar Street, Yağ Pazarı Street and Akan Street.

KESHAN WINDMILLS

The windmills were built during the reign of Abdulhamid I (1774-1789). Since the 19th century, windmills have been a very important economic resource for Keshan and its surroundings. In 1840 there were 117 windmills in Keshan and its villages. The importance of windmills to Keshan is due to the fact that Keshan is located at the crossroads of trade routes, the region has fertile lands for grain production, and the wind regime is suitable. The model of the windmill in Keşan, Paşayiğit Street, shows that Keşan was a granary in the past, as it is today.

İBRİCE HABOR DIVING CENTER

Today, one of the most ideal diving spots for underwater enthusiasts, Ibrice hosts the world’s first underwater museum, an artificial reef. In this unique area covered with blue waters, there are many scuba diving schools. Ibrice is a favorite center for diving enthusiasts. It is possible to meet a wide variety of marine life and passages of fish during underwater diving in Ibrica.

IZZETİYE VILLAGE, IZZETİ CATERING MARKET

Most of the sorghum and wheat planted in the Keshan region are planted in the village of Izzetiye. The historical, geographical and cultural characteristics of Izzetiye village increased the variety of local products. The village has an İzzeti İkram market where local products are advertised and sold. Within the Izzetiye “Tourist Village” there are also B&B places to provide income and contribute to the promotion and branding of the village.

GÖKÇETEPE CASTLE

Gökçetepe Castle is an important cultural heritage as a late Byzantine structure. One of the surviving watchtowers of the historic Genoese castle shows the magnificence of the castle. The panoramic view of the Italian Gulf from the castle is breathtakingly beautiful. The castle, now in ruins, was situated on a hill overlooking two bays to resist attacks from the sea. The castle is protected as an archaeological site of the first degree.

GEKCHETEPE NATURE PARK

Gökçetepe Nature Park, located within the Keşan district of Edirne, is located on the northern shore of the Saros Gulf. In the Gökçetepe Nature Park, there are 6 different bays with a total length of 3.5 kilometers. Here there are opportunities for both sea, sand, sun and alternative tourism. The Gökçetepe Nature Park camping area hosts many recreational activities, including tent camping.

MAKHMUTKOY

The village of Mahmut is 17 km from Kesan. The economy of a village depends on agriculture and animal husbandry. Mahmutköy dried beans have earned a reputation for their taste, ease of cooking and durability. Cheese production is also carried out on a national scale in the village of Mahmut.

ÇAMLICA BOCUK NIGHT FESTIVAL OF HORRORS

It is nourished by the climatic conditions of the geography in which it is located. It ensured its real development during the Middle Ages. It was adopted by 9 different ethnic groups in the village and has survived to this day.

The Night of Bochuk is a factor that fuels the transformation of the seasons, the behavior of human communities, their fears, anxieties or hopes for nature. Most of the time they build a culture on it, pass it on to the next generations with various rituals and celebrations.

The boy is a belief and ritual of the winter solstice. It is believed that on Bochuk’s night, a human-like creature will appear, which will bring evil and bad luck to those living there, and the abundance of the house will be lost. Bocuk is described as a living nightmare, but it’s a white version and is a “White Walker” that you can encounter while you’re awake, not while you’re asleep. He suddenly appears behind you, climbs onto your back and leaves his curse, giving you his full weight. He chooses his victims from among those who did not eat pumpkin that night.

There are various ritual beliefs and customs in Bochukova night.

To protect yourself from Bocuk, it is necessary to eat pumpkin dessert. So that Bochuk does not harm the houses, the pumpkin dessert is left on the roofs with a tray. Scaring the people living in the neighboring houses on the street is also a night ritual. Noises are made to prevent Bochuk from coming by playing tins in the streets.

In Bocuk Night, pumpkin desserts are always prepared in every home. According to tradition, Bochuk cannot come to the house where the pumpkin is cooked and not do evil.

In addition to the pumpkin, a fine filling specific to the village is also made. In the biggest house on the street, the residents of the street gather for the night of Bochuk. Family, neighbors and relatives attend the Bochukova evening. At night, pumpkin, filling, pear, quince, corn boiled in snow water, borek, halva, etc. Such dishes are served.

The night of Bochuk became important in keeping the people of the village together and communicating. Tales are told, riddles are asked, maniacs and folk songs are said. Folk dances are performed with a traditional tambourine.

Village youths dressed in costumes perform a play (mini theater performance).

The Forgotten Bocuk Night has been held as an open-air event in Çamlıca since 2004 with the participation of local and foreign tourists, increasing every year.

THE BUILDING OF THE OLD SCHOOL CHAMLITSA – GRABUNA ETHNOGRAPHY MUSEUM

The building in which the objects are displayed is a Greek building built in the late 1800s with carved stonework. One of the distinctive features of the building is the “acanthus leaf” motifs on the 3 entrance doors on the south facade. Acanthus leaves, whose use in architecture dates back to the ancient period, were used for decorative and amuletic purposes in buildings. Another architectural feature of the building is that it has niches in the form of doors to the right and left of the characteristic doors of the main entrance of the house in Çamlıca.

The building, which also serves as the House of Culture and Art, exhibits the collection that began to form in 2004. The building serves to effectively continue rural sociology. For this purpose, numerous ethnological, cultural and artistic activities are held throughout the year. The most important of these events is Bochuk’s Night, which is a ritual of the winter cycle of its geography.

The museum will highlight the local history of Chamlika; Using all kinds of original documents and objects related to Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, Greek, Ottoman and Turkish culture, it shows the cultures and peoples of Çamlika/Grabuna, in all their diversity, respect for cultural and ethnic differences, two different languages, religions and cultures. He encourages the public to live here in tolerance, to understand and enjoy the ancient GRABUNA and today’s ÇAMLICA ethnic culture.

CHAMLIKA THE VALLEY OF THE THRACIANS AND SPRING FESTIVAL HYDRELEZ

The valley is a ceremonial site about 2,000 years old in relation to the Sun Altar. It is named after the Thracian sun altar carved into the rocks with an emphasis on the solstice of June 21. In the valley, in relation to the Solar Altar, there are stone burials, a fountain, tile burials – a necropolis (cemetery) with Roman and Byzantine surface finds. At the entrance to the valley is the first cemetery of the Turks who settled in Camludja in the 1920s through exchange and immigration.

Today, the valley hosts events such as Hıdrellez and others. related to the natural calendar.

The valley of the Thracians, known as the “Valley of Khokaludere”, is the birthplace of the Chamlaka, formerly known as Grabuna, and many mythological and intangible cultural heritage products – oral folk culture in village sociology.

There are quarries in the valley believed to date back to the Roman period. The quarries were used by the people of the village in the construction of houses until the 1980s. On the right wing of the valley, to the west, there is the shortest path from the Roman period to the Castle of Chamlika, which is a 20-minute walk away. The castle is a medieval structure that acquired its final form during the Byzantine period.

As the valley moves inland, it becomes a small canyon where water gushes, the “Cheese Rocks” naturally formed cave cavities and inscribed rocks also stand out. There are about 10 small waterfalls in the canyon. The falls flow especially during the rainy winter months.

The valley and its surroundings are also home to many wild animals. One of 101 endangered and protected focal species Black stork-Ciconia Nigra, Lynx-Lynx lynx, Otter-Lutra Lutra, Badger-Meles meles, Hare-Lepus europaeus, Red fox-Vulpes vulpes, Wolf-Canis lupus, Coyote-Canis aureus , Blind mouse-Nannospalax ehrenbergi, Weasel-Mustela nivalis, Peregrine falcon-Falco cherrug, Little bird-Puffinus yelkouan, Pasbas patka-Aythya nyroca, Owl-Tyto alba, Bee-bird-Meropser-Allatce, Pyrus elaeagnifolia, Arborus-Arborus – Fagus orientalis, Pulley oak-Quercus vulcanica, Rosary bush-Stryrax officinalis, Wild cyclamen-Cyclamen coum, (22 species identified) and besides them in the Korudağ biosphere where the valley is located; In addition, roe deer, eagle, wild boar, wild cat, coyote, beaver, mole, hedgehog, ground dog, skunk, eagle, falcon, falcon, raven, magpie, stork and many species of birds can also be observed.

In the folklore studies of the province of Edirne, it should be noted that Hidrelez is celebrated for 1 month in the village of Çamluja. It is noteworthy that Hıdrellez events were celebrated in 5 different places in the village until the 1980s.

The Hıdırellez Spring Festival, which heralds the arrival of spring, is held every year in May in the Çamlıca Trak (Hocalıdere) Valley as a festival with all the rituals of the past. In the Thrace Valley, which is a 2,000-year-old ceremonial area, the traditions of the Hıdırellez Spring Festival are kept alive through entertainment accompanied by the local folk songs, folk dances and dishes of the village people.

CULTURAL ROAD VIA EGNATIA, ENEZ-ÇAMLICA LINE:

The Via Egnatia or Via Egnatia was the road built by the Roman Republic in the 2nd century BC. It passes through the Illyrian, Macedonian and Thracian regions of Rome. The regions through which the road passes are in the territory of Albania, Macedonia, Greece and Turkey in today’s world.

For more than 2,000 years, the Egnatia Road, connecting East and West, has been the road of all times, from the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans to our time.

The main road starts from Ipsala and continues towards Istanbul in the direction of Keshan and Malkara. It forms a sub-road called “Secondary Road” and continues through the villages of Enez, Kocaçeşme, Çeltik, Mercan and Çamlıca and rejoins the main road in Malkara.

Formerly known as Grabuna, with its new name Çamlıca, it had the mission of a stop where caravans using the secondary road Via Egnatia were accommodated and animals were cared for such as horseshoes, saddles, etc. Some parts of the road and bridges have survived to this day. Grabuna, which came to prominence as an important trading post during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, continued the same mission during the Byzantine Empire. In the late 20th century, its mission ended due to new highways and route changes. The last arrival of a caravan in the city was in 1979.

Although the Via Egnatia has not survived to this day, some of its paths and bridges still exist, and it has attracted attention as a cultural route in recent years.

In 2019, within the Via Egnatia Culture Route project, an Egnatia International Mobile Workshop was held at the Çamlıca House of Culture and Art by the Çamlıca Village Administration. Guidance and advisory services are provided by the management of the village of Kamlika to travelers using the Via Egnatia Cultural Route.

PIRNARKOY ISKOKO WATERFALL

The village of Pirnar is 19 km from the town of Kesan. The villagers live by agriculture and animal husbandry. Wheat, sunflower, corn, pumpkin seeds, grapes and strawberries are grown in the village. Iskoko waterfall, which is the largest and only waterfall in Kesan region, is located in Parnar village. Iskoko Falls, which is located on the nature lovers’ hiking trail, is an important route with its 3 km trough.

ENEZ CASTLE

Enez Castle was built on a high hill called the Acropolis in ancient times to prevent attacks on the city. The castle, whose main entrance is on the east, is entered through two gates, one from the north and one from the east. The wall, supported by 15 towers of various shapes and plans, is in places about 3 meters wide and reaches 25 meters high. There are two polygonal towers on the side facing the sea. Remains of pottery dating back to 4000 and 3000 BC, found during archaeological excavations in the castle that forms the city’s acropolis, prove that the settlement here dates back to the Chalcolithic era.

ENEZ-FATIH MOSQUE – SAINT SOPHIA CHURCH

Known as the Fatih Mosque in the Enez district, this mosque, called Hagia Sophia, is located in the Enez Castle. Enes, which was an important port city during the Byzantine period, fell under the rule of Genoa in 1355 and was ruled by the Gatteluzzi family. The Great Church of Enez, which was captured in 1455 by Has Yunus Bey, commander of Fatih Sultan Mehmed’s fleet, was converted into the Fatih Mosque. There is the Enez Hagia Sophia, the symbol of Enez, a small church with a mosaic floor and a cave used as a chapel.

THE BASILICA OF THE DAUGHTER OF ENEZ KING

It is located on the western slope of what is now Lake Tashalta, one of the two harbors of Enez, in the area known as the King’s Daughter. The basilica, 30 m long, has three naves, and there is a pastophor between the naves. It can be seen that the basilica belongs to the Roman period. A fountain was discovered under the floor of the middle nave. The marble blocks used in the construction of the basilica were brought from the island of Marmara and Samothrace.

ENEZ HAS THE TOMB OF YUNUS BAY

Has Yunus Bey, who was the captain of the Ottoman Empire between 1453-1456, also commanded the newly created Ottoman navy. Has Yunus Bey, who was killed at the capture of Enez, was exiled to the south of Enez, in the area of this cemetery. The tomb of Has Yunus Bey was built as a chapel during the Byzantine period.

ENEZ BEACH CARAVANSERAI – BRITISH BARRACKS

This coastal caravanserai at the site known as the Customs House was built as an exchange center of commercial life that became active during the Ottoman period. The building, which was used as a caravanserai during the Ottoman period in the 18th century, was used as a barracks by the British during the First World War. Architecturally, the caravanserai was built perpendicular to the coast, in the form of a long rectangle. It was designed to defend this place against attacks from the sea. Notably, there are figures of ships, a bridge and paintings of sailing on the interior walls of the Enez Beach Caravanserai. There are two opposite portals on the north and south walls of the caravanserai.

ENEZ GALA LAKE NATIONAL PARK – BIRD PARADISE

163 species of birds can be observed in Gala Lake National Park, located on the borders of Enez and Ipsala districts of Edirne. In the Tuztepe region of the national park, there are suitable areas for trekking and observing migratory birds. It is the second largest bird paradise in Turkey. Lakes Big Gala, Little Gala, Pamuklu, Sığırcı are home to many birds that are on the verge of extinction. Gala Lake National Park has a 12km hiking trail, bike trail, birdwatching tower and lookout. It is also possible to swim and dive in the Gulf of Saros. Entrance to the National Park is free and controlled. Coordinates: 40.768499 Latitude 26.186034 Longitude For more information: www.enez.gov.tr

DIVING CENTER ENEZ HARBOR – ARTIFICIAL REEF

Enez is located where the Meriç River meets the Aegean Sea. The clean sea and the diversity of the sea provide opportunities for underwater diving tourism. The underwater diving area, created at a depth of 18 meters near the port of Enez, is becoming a center of attraction for more and more underwater diving tourists in the world. The artificial reef area created by replicating the statue, relief, lion statue and walls of Enez Castle, which reflects the historical cultural heritage of Enez, has been transformed into a new underwater diving center in Enez.

HISTORICAL AQUEDUCT IPSAL

One of the most obvious examples of the importance given to public works by the Ottoman state is the Ipsala Aqueduct. This work, which has an aqueduct and fortification complex, is made of stone masonry. There are intermediate channels which are kept quite high according to the overflow situation of the water flow. The arches, which are made of cut stone compared to the connecting walls, reveal how skillfully the traditional base stone was used.