The most beautiful places to watch the stars in Turkey

Watching the stars, an indispensable part of our lives since ancient times, is both a pleasant feel-good activity and important for Space Science and astronomy. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to see stars in metropolitan cities because of light pollution. For this reason, in order to enjoy this peaceful activity, it is necessary to get away from city life and enter the heart of natural life. 

Considering the pandemic conditions, it is one of the most beautiful activities that can be done during this period, when the rules of social isolation are important. Intertwined with nature and watching the stars... 

There are no ideal Dark Sky Reserves in Turkey, but by looking at the light pollution map, come to the High regions where there is the least pollution, let's examine it together.

Kartal Lake Nature Reserve

Kartal Lake Nature Reserve, which is connected to Mugla, is also located parallel to the border of Denizli province. Eagle Lake Nature Reserve is a protected area and its elevation from the sea is 1903 meters. This region, where the oldest larch forest in Turkey is located, is also a place where naturalists conduct studies and are interested, as it is also very rich in plant flora. There is also a glacial valley in this region, called "Eagle Lake glacial valley".

Kartal Lake and its Nature Reserve, which is one of the most beautiful places to watch the stars in Turkey, offer a very favorable environment for camping.

Pointed Mountain National Park

The Pointed Mountain National Park is located in the famous Antalya Konyaalti region, is one of the highest peaks of the Beydagları. At the foot of The Pointed Mountain, the stars are clearly visible, but at the top, the image is clearer. Of course, in order to go to the summit and spend the night, you must have the necessary materials and a good mountaineering experience.

There are places to camp around the pointy Mountain National Park. Because Antalya is one of the most important tourist places, you can combine the pleasure of watching stars with the sea, sand, and sun trilogy.

The Mount Ida

Mount Ida (Turkish: Kazdagı and meaning "Goose Mountain"), is located between Balıkesir Province and Canakkale Province. Mount Ida considered one of the most special natural beauties of Turkey, is one of the regions with the highest oxygen ratio. It's also a very convenient route to watch the sky. This is one of the least light pollution places in Turkey.

In this huge area spanning 21300 hectares, green and blue are dancing. This unique place, which is almost a paradise, also attracts attention with its campsites and comfortable accommodation facilities. 

The Kackar Mountains

The Kackar Mountains, formerly known as the Lazistan Mountains, are a mountain range that rises above the Black Sea coast in northeastern Turkey. This area, which was recognized as a national park in 1994, is very suitable for watching the sky, as there is no light or air pollution. The area also is noted for its virgin nature, oxygen-abundant environment, and eye-catching landscapes.

Teke Mountain National Park, Ankara

Tekke Mountain National Park, located 15 km from the Beypazarı District of the capital Ankara, is one of the least light pollution places in Turkey. There are services such as recreation facilities, toilets and parking are available.

Gelemis Village, Antalya

Gelemis is a village in the District of Kas, Antalya Province. Gelemis is a very peaceful holiday resort with many campsites. Here, light pollution is less than in the environment, and it is possible to watch the stars on nights when the air is clear.

There are also a small number of bars around the hidden paradise of Antalya Gelemis. If you're thinking of a few days of peace and a star-studded holiday, this place is for you.

What To Keep With You

These magnificent spots in Turkey are places where windy and sudden weather changes are very common. It will be good to dress thick, as the weather finds cons in the middle of the night.

Since the phone does not pull at these points, you can have a walkie-talkie phone with you. You'll also have to take a break from the social world to be close to the stars. 

Keep a few flashlights and batteries with you under any circumstances, as it will take 20-30 minutes for your eyes to get used to the darkness.