Waterfalls discovered in dam construction

SİNOP - Anadolu Agency

Tatlıca waterfalls offer various surprises to its visitors such as walking paths, wooden bridges and stairs, as well as every tone of color, especially during spring and fall.

Tatlıca Waterfalls, discovered by the State Water Affairs (DSİ) teams during dam construction in the northern province of Sinop’s Erfelek district. 

The site is made up of 28 different two kilometer-long waterfalls. The area has become one of the most popular places among nature aficionados. 

Tatlıca waterfalls offer various surprises to its visitors such as walking paths, wooden bridges and stairs, as well as every tone of color, especially during spring and fall. 

Erfelek Mayor Muzaffer Şimşek said the waterfalls changed the destiny of the district. He said only the front parts of the waterfall were known by a few villagers in the past and other waterfalls have been discovered during the dam construction in 1997. 

Symbol of the district

“Tatlıca is made up of 28 two-kilometer-long waterfalls. They pour into each other. After the unknown parts were discovered, the waterfalls became the symbol of the district. A mill, which is under restoration right now, is also open for visitation. The number of registered visitors is increasing every day. The control of the waterfalls was transferred to our municipality in 2000 by the National Parks General Directorate. 65,000 people visited the waterfalls last year; it is over 10,000 this year. Before its discovery, this place was known only by few villagers. The waterfall, which has been reached through construction, is like a hidden world. We plan to make this place one of the symbols of Sinop and Turkey as well,” the mayor said. 

Originality preserved

Şimşek said they had also formed an association in the district under the leadership of Sinop Mayor Baki Ergül and started a project with the support of the National Parks General Directorate.

“We have organized the area using ropes and stairs to reach the waterfalls. We don’t want to ruin this natural beauty. We are trying to preserve its originality. The number of our visitors is increasing every year. We receive a small amount of money for entry, except for visitors from public institutions and schools. Mountaineering and nature club members camp here. This place will become a nature sports center. We hope that it will receive the interest it deserves,” Şimşek concluded.