Geben Valley National Park

Geben Valley National Park is a nature conservation area located within the administrative boundaries of the Andırın and Göksun districts of Kahramanmaraş Province, officially designated on 30 May 2025. As Türkiye’s 50th national park, it covers a total area of 20,323.97 hectares (approximately 200,000 dönüm). Managed by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the area possesses rich biodiversity, distinctive geological formations, and cultural heritage, serving both as an ecological reserve and a center for nature tourism. ^【1】

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The national park is distinguished by its physical structure situated between the districts of Andırın and Göksun. Within the context of phytogeographic regions, it lies within the transition zone between the Iran-Turan and Mediterranean regions. This transitional character imparts both topographical and climatic diversity to the area. The park also occupies a section of the ecological corridor known as the Anatolian Crossroads, which holds significant importance for biological diversity. Within the park’s physical boundaries, notable elevations such as Kayranlı Mountain, along with various geological formations and landforms, constitute the valley system.

Due to its location on the Anatolian Crossroads and at the intersection of two distinct phytogeographic regions, Geben Valley exhibits a high rate of plant endemism. Scientific surveys and inventories have recorded a total of 603 different plant species within the boundaries of the national park. Of these, 83 species have been identified as endemic, positioning the area as a significant site for botanical research and genetic conservation.^【2】

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Owing to its extensive area and undisturbed habitat structure, the region supports a rich fauna. The wildlife population includes various rodents, reptiles, bird species, and large mammals. Key large mammal species identified through observational and recording studies include the brown bear, striped hyena, lynx, wolf, and wild goat. The presence of these species indicates that the valley maintains a preserved and intact food chain and ecosystem integrity.

Geben Valley is not only a natural ecosystem but also a cultural corridor that has witnessed human movement throughout history. Within the boundaries of the national park, remnants of the historical Roman Akyol route, used in past eras, have been identified. Additionally, Meryemçil Castle, one of the region’s defensive and settlement structures, lies within the park area. The Turkmen migration route, traditionally used by nomadic communities and reflecting traditional lifestyles, constitutes another vital element of the valley’s cultural fabric. Literary sources also note that Geben Valley and its surroundings served as inspiration for the poetry of the renowned folk poet Karacaoğlan.

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The management of the national park is carried out by the 15th Regional Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. Preliminary preparations, infrastructure assessments, and identification studies for its designation as a national park began in 2019 and culminated in its official proclamation in 2025. Access to the area, which holds high potential for nature and ecotourism, is possible only by specialized vehicles. To ensure that visitor traffic does not harm the ecosystem, plans are underway to design and construct infrastructure and facility projects capable of meeting visitor needs sustainably.^【3】