Malatya’s Levent Valley, the ‘Grand Canyon of Anatolia’

MALATYA – Anadolu Agency

AA photo

The Levent Valley, home to rock formations believed to date back 65 million years, is often likened to the Grand Canyon in the United States and draws the attention of the many tourists who flock to the region. 

The valley, located in the Central Anatolian province of Malatya’s Akçadağ district, is seen as one of the world’s most precious natural fields for its geological features. The 28-kilometer-long valley features ruins from the Neolithic Age and striking geological formations, cliffs and caves.

On the Malatya-Kayseri highway, the canyon includes caves from various historical eras overhanging its walls. With a breathtaking view, the valley provides a resting area for people visiting - a stopover for nature lovers wishing to get away from the stress of city life. 

The valley is also a unique place for photography aficionados. 

For the last two years, various activities have been held to promote the city and the valley. One is the “International Malatya Photo Camp,” organized by the Malatya Photography and Cinema Art Association (MAFSAD), which brings together Turkish and foreign photographers taking photographs in the valley.  


Most striking point: Observation deck

The valley can be viewed from a bird’s-eye-view on a glass observation deck, established on a steep rock block. 

The 240-meter high deck, standing on an altitude of 1,400 meters, was first opened to visitors in 2012. 
A number of the caves and rock blocks around the observation deck are illuminated by a solar power system, creating a striking effect.

Visited by nearly 1 million tourists since its opening, the popularity of the observation deck is increasing every year. 

“It is quite frightening, but it is definitely a place worth seeing,” one visitor said about the deck.