Black Sea’s Cappadocia looks for promotion

TOKAT – Anadolu Agency

Dilim Kayalar is located three-kilometers-away from the district of Gökçeli and draws attention with its magnificent geological structure, canyons and natural beauty.

Dilim Kayalar, which was formed with the corrosion of rocks in the northern province of Tokat, resembles the famous fairy chimneys in the Cappadocia region. The area needs more attention for promotion.

Dilim Kayalar is located three-kilometers-away from the district of Gökçeli and draws attention with its magnificent geological structure, canyons and natural beauty. The rocks, which have been subject to many legends in the region for many years, offer various opportunities for nature lovers, photography and geo- and eco-tourism aficionados. In the region, the lifestyle of villagers can also be seen in agricultural and promenade areas and plateaus.

President of the Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage (JEMIRKO) Professor Nizamettin Kazancı said the geological formations in Niksar should turn into a geo-park in order to provide economical benefits and draw the attention of the international scientific world to the region.

Stating that Dilim Kayalar was an attractive region, Kazancı said, “Interesting geographical formations have formed here. This is an extraordinary touristic place. This place has appeared with the corrosion of current rocks. It is the same in Ürgüp and Göreme in the Cappadocia region. This is a very nice result of the Black Sea region’s rainy climate. Dilim Kayalar is the Cappadocia of the Black Sea region. Nature lovers, trekking and geo-tourism aficionados should pay attention to this area.”

Kazancı said local administrations should apply to the Mineral Research and Exploration Institute (MTA) General Directorate or JEMIRKO for the rocks’ geological features to be studied.

He said the rocks were a significant tourism platform for Tokat and Niksar, adding, “First of all, local administrations should do something about this place; their support is necessary, otherwise nothing will happen. This is a magnificent place to see, the infrastructure for tourism is ready. The rest is up to the local administers.”

Niksar Nature Sports Association President İlker Melikoğlu said Dilim Kayalar covered an area of nearly five kilometers. The rocks, which have been formed through the corrosion of rivers and floods, were also known as “Kırgıbayır,” he said.

“This, geographically, is an important formation, as well as ecotourism and geo-tourism. We are introducing this place for the first time. We will definitely bring our foreign guests to this place. This region is one of the rare places, a must-see for everyone. The villagers’ lifestyles here may also draw travelers’ attention,” he said.