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Burdur
The Burdur geography, a gateway between the Aegean and the Central Anatolia regions in the western part of the Mediterranean Region, offers visitors rich cultural and tourism opportunities. It is known as the Pearl of the Lakes Region due to its many lakes and dams, and as the capital of the Teke (Male Goat) Region in Anatolia thanks to its rich folk culture and music.
Burdur, which has hosted numerous civilizations during its 9,000-year history, is located in the region of Pisidia, where remains from the Neolithic age and the Greek and Roman civilizations have been found.
Burdur offers its visitors an unforgettable holiday, with ancient cities such as Sagalassos, Kibyra and Kremna, which stand out with their millennia of historical and cultural assets; inns belonging to the Seljuk period and the most magnificent mansions of the Ottoman period; museums and archaeological sites; its green mountains, cool plateaus and fresh air; its caves, deep blue lakes and dams such as Burdur, Salda and Yarışlı lakes; its fragrant purple lavender valleys, and rich flora and fauna; its ecotourism and nature sports areas; and its charming local restaurants and traditional handicrafts. In short, Burdur – with its friendly, sincere, and hospitable people, and destinations to suit every agenda – awaits its guests in all its glory.
Burdur Archaeological Museum
Opened to visitors in 1969, the Burdur Archaeological Museum (Burdur Arkeoloji Müzesi) has more than 66,000 cultural assets, including artefacts and excavations from Hacılar, Kuruçay, the Höyücek Mounds and the ancient cities of Boubon, Kibyra, Sagalassos, and Kremna. In addition, magnificent works are exhibited in the museum’s garden. Burdur Museum, one of Türkiye’s most notable archaeological museums, received the “Museums Worth Visiting Award” from the European Museum Forum in 2008.
Burdur Natural History Museum
Pleistocene period fossils, unearthed in excavations of the fossil beds in the village of Elmacık in Burdur’s Kemer district, are exhibited in the Burdur Natural History Museum (Burdur Doğa Tarihi Müzesi) after the restoration and conservation processes. The most important of these is a Southern Mammoth (Mammuthus meridionalis), which lived 2- 2.5 million years ago. The mammoth had a shoulder height of four meters and weighed 10 tons. Fossils from rhinos, horses and deer are also exhibited in the museum. The Burdur Elmacık fossils are undoubtedly among the most exciting in Anatolia.
From the moment you enter the Burdur Natural History Museum, the residents of Burdur – from 2.5 million years earlier – welcome you.
Ancient City of Sagalassos
Sagalassos Ancient City (Sagalassos Antik Kenti), included in the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2009 is in the Ağlasun district of Burdur. As one of the most significant ancient cities in the region, Sagalassos was the most important city of the Pisidia region during the Roman Imperial period, and most of the buildings in the ancient city today are from that era. The most striking structures of the mountaintop ancient city are the magnificent Antonine Fountain, flowing for 2,000 years, and the extensive Roman bath complex, which has survived to the present day with its two floors preserved.
Archaeological excavations revealed other notable public buildings such as the library, residences, a temple, baths (hammam) and a Hellenistic fountain, the Heroon monument, and a theatre with a capacity for 9,000 people. Sagalassos is one of the best-preserved ancient settlements in Asia Minor.
Ancient City of Kibyra
Kibyra Ancient City (Kibyra Antik Kenti), which was included in the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2016, sits on the western slope of Gölhisar district. One of the most important cities of the Hellene and Roman civilizations, the city plan features symmetrically placed structures that do not obstruct each other’s views. At the entrance of Kibyra is a stadium with a capacity for 10,000 people; it was one of the most magnificent stadiums in Anatolia during the Ancient age and is known to have featured gladiator exhibitions. In addition, the Odeon of Kibyra, which served as a concert area, parliament, court, and a covered theatre, features an intact mosaic of the head of Medusa on the floor of the orchestra section. This building, with a capacity of 3,000 people, was an important structure of the ancient city and is the largest known Odeon in the world. In Kibyra, the Basilica, lower and upper Agora, a bath, a gymnasium, a theatre, a parliament building, monumental tombs, an arch with a round tower and waterways also stand out as historical buildings that draw attention.
Ancient City of Kremna
The Ancient City of Kremna (Kremna Antik Kenti) was founded by the Pisidians on a hill overlooking the Aksu Valley in the Bucak district. Artefacts from the ancient city of Kremna, which was an important Pisidian city of its period, are from the Roman Empire period. The name of Kremna comes from the Greek word for “cliff” in accordance with the topography. Kremna was one of five important colonial cities established by the Romans in Pisidia. Large and small sculptures of Athena, Nemesis, Apollo, Asklepios, Heracles, Leto and Hygeia, unearthed during excavations, are exhibited in the Kremna Hall of the Burdur Archaeology Museum.
Ancient City of Sia
The Ancient City of Sia (Sia Antik Kenti) is a Pisidian city located on the borders of Karaot village amid pine forests. With a history dating from the Hellenistic period, the city features a fortification wall, a two-storey tower, and an entrance gate. There are remains of houses inside and outside the fortification walls. It is also striking that most of the tombs in the city’s necropolis are monumental in nature. Sia Ancient City, among the best-preserved cities of Pisidia, is also worth visiting to see its bath, believed to date from the 3rd century, as well as its two churches, mausoleums and magnificent city walls.
Ancient City of Milias
In the town of Kocaaliler in the Bucak district, Milias Ancient City (Milias Antik Kenti) was established on the Taurus Mountains. Inhabited during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the city is surrounded by steep, imposing cliffs to the east, west and south. In the ancient city, a small theatre – the only one in the area – is set upon the main bedrock. Artefacts such as masks and sculpted heads found within the city boundaries suggest that the city was a special settlement in terms of history. In addition to the ancient theatre, cisterns, the remains of an agora, and houses built with cut stones can be seen in Milias.
Hacılar Great Mound
Located 25 km from the Burdur centre, the Hacılar Great Mound (Hacılar Büyük Höyük) was an early Bronze age settlement dated to BCE 3100. It has a cleverly constructed defence system that develops in a north-south direction with breaks in the form of a “sawtooth”.
İncir Inn
İncir Inn (İncir Han), in İncirdere village of the Bucak district, was erected between 1339 and 1340. The crown gate in the shape of an oyster is one of the most striking and spectacular elements of the inn.
Susuz Inn
Susuz Inn (Susuz Han), located in Susuz village in the Bucak district, was erected during the reign of Anatolian Seljuk Sultan, Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev II (1237-1246). Standing out as one of the most important works of 13th century Anatolian Seljuk architecture, the inn’s striking entrance door is decorated with geometric patterns. Excavations carried out in the structure, which has only a closed area intact, unearthed numerous artefacts from the Byzantine period, including coins belonging to the Ottoman sultans, horseshoes, and various objects such as rings and chains.
Bakibey Mansion
Beautifully reflecting the historical architectural texture of Burdur while illuminating its history, some of the city’s well-preserved mansions include the Bakibey Mansion (Bakibey Konağı), located in the centre. The most striking room in the 17th-century mansion is its başoda, the main salon.
Taş Oda Mansion
Located in the city centre, the Taş Oda Mansion (Taş Oda Konağı) is one of the finest examples of 17th century classical Ottoman architecture. It was built by Emin Bey of the Kınalı tribe. Visitors can enjoy breakfast or a snack in the lush courtyard of the two-storey mansion.
Master Sırrı Mustafa Özkan Culture House
The Master Sırrı Mustafa Özkan Culture House (Muallim Mustafa Sırrı Özkan Kültürevi) was built in 1928, the early years of the Republic Period. A stellar example of the traditional architecture of Gölhisar, the two-story mansion also served as a guesthouse for the statesmen of the period. Today, objects of ethnographic value are exhibited in the mansion, which today is a Culture House presenting the heritage of Gölhisar and the region to visitors.
Burdur Grand Mosque
Burdur Ulu Mosque (Burdur Ulu Cami), set on a high hill in the city centre of Burdur, was built by Hamitoğlu Dündar Bey in 1300. Featuring the characteristic of the grand mosques of the Seljuk and principalities periods, the mosque has three gates in the east, north and west. Its marble mihrab and pulpit have been restored and continue to be in use today.
Historical Clock Tower
The Historical Clock Tower (Tarihi Saat Kulesi) is a landmark of Burdur. Set in the city centre, the tower was erected in 1936. The cut-stone tower has four clocks, each facing one direction of the city.
Sheikh Sinan Mosque
In the centre of Burdur, the Sheikh Sinan Mosque (Şeyh Sinan Cami) is one of the oldest mosques in the city and its history dates from the 1800s. The tombs in the courtyard of the mosque are believed to belong to important clergy members and scholars who lived in that period. The mosque’s elegant minaret, made of Burdur stone, draws attention.
Dengere Mosque
The Dengere Mosque (Dengere Cami), in the Dengere village of Çavdır, is a fine example of Seljuk and principalities period mosque architecture during the Ottoman era. It is believed that the mosque was built in the 15th or 16th century but, lacking an inscription, its builder and exact date are unknown. It is one of Burdur’s unique mosques in terms of its woodwork.
Hodja Bali Bath
The Hodja Bali Bath (Hoca Bali Hamamı) was built in 1582. Featuring the typical characteristics of a 16th-century Turkish bath, the hammam is important among the historical and cultural symbols of Burdur. Restoration work continues with the landscaping of the bath building.
Library of Grand Vizier Dervish Mehmet Pasha from Burdur
The Burdur Grand Vizier Dervish Mehmed Pasha Library (Burdurlu Sadrazam Derviş Mehmed Paşa Kütüphanesi) was built in 1816 by Mehmed Pasha, a grand vizier of the Ottoman Empire. The building is one of the most elegant examples of Ottoman and Turkish library architecture. The library building, which was severely damaged in the earthquake in 1914, has been restored and is opened to visitors today.
Veli Dede Mausoleum
The Mausoleum of Veli Dede (Veli Dede (Onacak) Türbesi), in the Onacak village of Yeşilova, belongs to Veli Dede, a physician and early practitioner of psychology and religious scholar who was trained in Khorasan. Veli Dede founded the most modern mental hospital of the era. His mausoleum in Onacak village was erected in the 14th century in the Seljuk architectural style as a decagonal structure, which is rarely seen in Anatolia.
Lake Burdur
In the centre of Burdur, the tectonic Lake Burdur (Burdur Gölü), is the seventh largest lake in terms of surface area and is one of Türkiye’s deepest lakes. The lake is the most important habitat for the endangered White-Headed Duck (Dikkuyruk Ördekleri), as well as an internationally important wetland with more than 200 different bird species. Lake Burdur attracts numerous bird watchers and features a Bird Observatory House on the shore. As a closed basin lake, Lake Burdur is also a recreational area offering water sports such as canoeing, rowing, sailing, windsurfing and boat tours.
Salda Lake
One of the most beautiful places in Burdur is Salda Lake (Salda Gölü), an iconic natural wonder of Türkiye. Called the Maldives of Türkiye, Salda is one of the clearest, cleanest, and deepest freshwater lakes in the world – it is said to be one of the two places on Earth that is similar to the rock structure of the planet Mars. The turquoise-hued lake is 185 meters deep and features white sandy beaches with a backdrop of black pine forests. The lake’s water contains magnesium, soda and clay, which is believed to be helpful for some skin diseases. Salda Lake has become a popular destination in recent years, both for health tourism and for activities such as sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and bird watching. The area is ideal for photographs and sunset watching.
Yarışlı Lake
Located in Yeşilova, Yarışlı Lake (Yarışlı Gölü) is an important wetland in Burdur and a habitat for numerous bird species. The saltwater lake features an islet and bird watching terraces – the lake attracts flocks of colourful flamingos. The peninsula on the east coast of the lake was the site of the Tymbrianassus settlement, which dates to the BCE 6th century.
Gölhisar (Yamadı) Lake
Within the borders of the Yamaz village of Gölhisar district. The lake offers opportunities for angling, as well as trekking and cycling around the shore.
Karataş Lake
Offering superb views, Karataş Lake (Karataş Gölü), a freshwater lake known as a bird paradise of the Mediterranean, is at the front of the Karataş Hill and Kağılcık Mountains. With its expansive reed growth, the lake is an important habitat and breeding area for numerous bird species. Karataş Lake is also a Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Area.
Karacaören Dam Lake
Built on the Aksu Stream, 35 km from the Bucak district, Karacaören attracts attention with its natural beauties and promenades. Its cooler climate draws visitors seeking to escape seasonal heat and relax in the lush nature. In addition, Karacaören offers activities like sailing, canoeing, swimming, angling and windsurfing, as well as photo safaris and dam tours.
Salda Ski Resort
Located in the Salda Tourism Centre on Eşeler Plateau, about a 20-minute drive from Salda Lake, the Salda Ski Resort (Salda Kayak Merkezi) features a total of five runs at different levels, ranging in length from one to 1.6 kilometres. Suitable for daily or overnight visits, the ski resort has terrain suitable for skiing at 5-10-15-20 kilometres. The facility includes one snow track, two snowmobiles, a six-room guesthouse, and a 260-square-meter cafeteria where ski equipment and clothing can also be rented. In addition, there’s a two-person tele ski that reaches the top at 860 meters. Salda Ski Centre surrounded by lush forests, offers the opportunity to ski with a unique lake view.
Salda Lake Nature Park
Set along the shore of Salda Lake, the Salda Lake Nature Park (Salda Gölü Tabiat Parkı) features a visitor centre, a rustic restaurant, restrooms and an infant care room, as well as a children’s playground, a volleyball court, changing cabins, showers, picnic and dishwashing areas, and fountains. Visitors to the park can enjoy trekking, cycling, picnics, bird watching, volleyball, swimming, and photography.
Serenler Hill Nature Park
Declared a natural park in 2011, Serenler Hill (Serenler Tepesi) features a splendid view of Lake Burdur. It is approximately 4 km from the Burdur city centre. The daily use area of the park includes a rustic restaurant, an observation point, a children’s playground, picnic and barbecue areas, dishwashing units, a parking lot, restrooms and fountains. Visitors to the park can enjoy cycling, hiking, picnics, photography, and wildlife and bird watching.
Karanlıkdere Canyon Nature Park
Near Ballık village in the Altınyayla district, Karanlıkdere Canyon (Karanlıkdere Kanyonu) is rich in plant flora, with a cover of cedar, pine, juniper and oak trees. The canyon is suitable for mountaineering, climbing, and hiking, as well as picnics, photography, angling, cycling and wildlife watching. In addition, it offers beautiful views of towering geological structures.
İnsuyu Cave
Set on the Antalya highway, İnsuyu Cave (İnsuyu Mağarası) has the distinction of being the first cave opened to tourism in Türkiye. Inside the 597-meter-long cave are stalactites and stalagmites formed by the melting and erosion of the carstic structure over time, as well as impressive passages. Suitable for visits in all seasons, the cave’s temperature is a consistent 14 degrees celsius throughout the year.
Lisinia Nature
Located in the Karakent village of Burdur, Lisinia Nature (Lisinia Doğa) was initiated by Veterinarian Öztürk Sarıca on the shore of Lake Burdur in 2005. The starting point of Lisinia Nature is defined as the rapid degradation in nature and the resulting diseases. Lisinia Nature is run entirely on voluntary efforts and implements a range of nature projects that have developed and diversified since its establishment. It is also one of Türkiye’s first official Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres. The Park takes its name from Lisinia, one of the most important cities of the region, which in antiquity was called Pisidia. “Lisinia” refers to the “glimmer of the rising and setting sun, the moonlight in the water”. Lisinia Nature, where wild animals are rehabilitated, enchants visitors with its aromatic gardens and intriguing structures made of wood and lavender.
Serençay Canyon
Serençay Canyon (Serençay Kanyonu) is within the borders of the Burdur Central Günalan/Lengüme village. There are carved tombs and caves on both sides of the canyon. Also known as Teke (Male Goat) Palace, the carved caves belong to the late Roman and early Christian periods. The caves and their surroundings have been registered as a “Canyon and Ancient Settlements”, and the entire canyon is registered as a “Natural Site - Qualified Natural Protection Area”. There are biking and hiking routes in the canyon.
Akpınar Plateau
Set 5 km from Kemer town, this plateau with fresh, oxygen-rich air features villa type highland houses in the form of 1 + 1, a seasonal restaurant and a children’s playground, as well as football and volleyball courts. It is popular as a retreat from the crowds and stress of the city. The plateau also offers cycling and ATV activities.
Aziziye Village Highland Festival
The Aziziye Village Highland Festival (Aziziye Köyü Yayla Şenliği) is a tradition of many years in Aziziye village, in the central district of Burdur. The festival features music by various local artists.
Traditional Altınyayla (Dirmil) Golden Reed Oil Wrestling, Culture and Art Events
The Traditional Dirmil Wrestling Event, among the top three oil wrestling events held in Türkiye, is a rematch of Kırkpınar as it is held one week after Edirne Kırkpınar Wrestling.
Hasanpaşa Yünümböget Festival of Shepherds
This shepherd’s holiday has been held in the Hasanpaşa and Bayramlar villages of Tefenni district for approximately 800 years. It takes place at the end of the sheep grazing season (end of August/early September) and is the time when shepherds wash the flocks before delivering the sheep back to their owners. It is a Turkish tradition originating from Central Asia (Turkistan).
The main purpose of the Yünüm (My Wool) ceremony is to promote unity and solidarity among the villages and shepherds, and instil a love of animals in children.
