LATMOS GEOPARK (BEŞPARMAK MOUNTAINS) with HERAKLEIA-LATMOS ANTIQUE HARBOUR CITY and BAFA LAKE NATURAL PARK in TURKEY

Abstract

LATMOS (mountain range), which can be a geopark, is located near Lake Bafa Nature Park on the border of Aydin and Mugla. The region has a deep history dating back to many years and valuable natural, archaeological and geological heritage sites. In this study, the geomorphological structure of the region is examined in general terms, especially research area in terms of geotourism has quite interesting features. The elevations at the end point of the Buyuk Menderes Basin reach up to pretty high for sub-Aegean geological formations and have an geostrategically important position and wide viewing area. In history, these mountains, which were considered sacred especially in the Carian period, have always been in an important position in terms of human culture. The presence of traces of rock settlements dating to the Neolithic period in the mountains is also known today. Scattered rock paintings in the region were the most important findings. However, they have survived to the present day by being damaged. These and similar rock churches and monaster, as well as military castles and walls, leaving many distinctive and interesting cultural traces, these mountainous areas, which are inhabited, are expected to be constantly preserved and renewed. In history, there are also other ruins of  the Carian State, which spread to a much larger background in the sub-Aegean. The port city of Herakleia (now Kapikiri village) is located on the shores of Lake Bafa. Massive rock formations that have undergone metamorphic changes in the process are in need of investigation in many aspects of volcanic, magnetic and mineralogical aspects. These rocks also have qualities that can be salty due to their relationship with the sea. In summary, this region is composed of mountain ranges (Latmos Mountains), valleys with different features of archelogical sites and a very special lake that have an important natural park feature. In addition to its interesting natural structure, rock formations and geoheritage areas, it must be protected with the awareness of geotourism. It should not be forgotten that in order to transfer the traces of many different cultural settlements within the rocks to the next generations in a healthy way, the region is obliged to be carefully conserved together with a conservation aimmed development plan.