EĞİRDİR
Eğirdir, a district of Isparta Province, is
rich in historical and natural assets. The
district is well known for Eğirdir Lake which
changes its colour at all hours of the day and
Can Island of which deed was submitted to
Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK, the founder of the
Turkish Republic by Eğirdir people. Turkish
Armed Forces' Mountain Commando School and the
most important Bone Diseases Hospital in
Turkey are in the district. Eğirdir is also
known for Sığla Forests, Kasnak Oak which is
rarely seen in the world and its endemic
Apollon Butterfly.
History
It is supposed that Eğirdir city was founded
by the last leader of Lydia, Kroisos (560-547
BC.), and its first name was "Krozos".
Internal castle of the city was constructed by
the Lydians. It was named as Prostanna during
Romans period. It is thought that the first
Turkish settlement to the region was occurred
a few years after 1071. Anatolia Seljuk Ruler,
Kılıçaslan III conquered Eğirdir together with
the surrounding cities in 1204. The Seljuks
named the city as Cennetabad due to its
natural beauties, and used it as a resort
place. Eğirdir and its surroundings became
under the rule of the Ottomans in 1391. Later
on, the region experienced the sovereignty of
Mongol Empire and Karamanoğulları
Principality, and was added to the territory
of Ottoman State during the reign of Sultan
Murad II in 1423. After Tanzimat Period
(between 1839-1876 in Ottoman history), the
region became a subdivision of Konya Province.
After the foundation of Republic in Turkey,
Eğirdir has maintained its district status.
Climate
In respect of climate, the district is in a
transition area between the Mediterranean and
Central Anatolia Climates. It has a more
temperate climate in comparison with the city
centre, and receives rainfall during winter
and spring months.
How to Go
By Road
The district, which is on the
Isparta-Konya-Adana State Road, can be reached
easily from every point of our country by
road.
Coach Station Tel: (+90-246) 311 42 18
By Rail
Isparta Railroad as an extension of
İzmir-Aydın Railroad stretches to Eğirdir.
Pamukkale Express, Göller Express, Post Train
and Moto-trains also run according to a
schedule.
By Air
The nearest airport is Süleyman Demirel
Airport on the borders of Keçiborlu district.
Airport Tel: (+90-246) 5592010 - (+90-246)
5592013
Where to Visit
Eğirdir Castle
There is an internal and external castle on
the peninsula reaching through the lake in
Eğirdir. The Internal Castle is still standing
whereas only the base of the External Castle
reaches to the present day. The Internal
Castle divides the peninsula to north-south
direction. It had been repaired for several
times during the Roman and Byzantium periods.
It recently had been repaired during the
Hamitoğulları Period and demolished again by
the invasion of Eğirdir by Timur, the Mongol
Emperor.
Eğirdir Caravanserai
The Caravanserai is on the Konya-Antalya road.
It is composed of two sections namely as
Courtyard and Enclosed Space. It was built in
1237. Today, there are base traces of a few
voyager rooms in the courtyard.
Eğirdir Lake
Eğirdir Lake, the 4th biggest lake in Turkey
with a surface area of 517 sq. km., has an
altitude of 1000 meter above sea level. It is
in the middle of the district centre among
Sultan Mountains. The small part of the lake
which is in the north is called as Hoyran Lake
and the other part in the south is called as
Eğirdir Lake. Both lakes are connected to each
other via Hoyran Pass.Like an extension of
peninsula, on which Eğirdir is located, there
are two small islands, namely Can Island and
Green Island (Nis). Due to the recent diminish
of water these islands are connected to
Eğirdir.
Green Island
The Island with an area of 9 hectares is still
authentic with its rock based wooden houses,
narrow streets and small fisherman shelter.
Green Island, formerly known as Nis, is 1,5 km
far from Eğirdir. It attracts the attention of
the visitors with its boarding-houses and fish
restaurants. On the island, there is the
Ayastefanos Church which is assumed to be holy
by Christians
Can Island
With a surface area of 7000 sq. metre, it is a
pretty island between Eğirdir and Green
Island. It only serves as a picnic area. In
1933, the island was given as a gift to
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Turkish
Republic.
ANCIENT CITIES
Prostanna Antique City
It is one of the cities of Pisidia. There are
remains of some buildings' bases and city
walls in the ancient city. The Acropolis of
this city was built with an altitude of 2000
m. There is a rectangular shaped temple within
the ramparts.
RELIGIOUS MONUMENTS
Hızırbey Mosque
Being the biggest mosque of all within Eğridir,
it was built by Hızır Bey (1327-1328). After
having been burned in a fire in 1814, the
mosque was rebuilt under the leadership of
Yılanlıoğlu Şheikh Ali Aga. It was opened for
worship again in1820. It is important for its
large size, historical value and pulpit.
Moreover, it is claimed as unique in the world
with its minaret on the arch.
Ağa Mosque
It was built in 1413. Its minaret was built in
1777. Later on, it was repaired and covered
with tiles.
Yılanlıoğlu Mosque
In 1806, the mosque was built with a stone
minaret by Yılanlıoğlu near the tomb of
Sheikh-ul Islam El Berdai.
Ada Mosque
The mosque is in the Green Island. At first it
was built as a church, but opened for worship
as a mosque by the order of Osman II in 1618.
Its former name was Kız Kilisesi (Girl
Church).
Baba Sultan Tomb
As it is understood from the inscription on
the door, it was built for a person named İsa
Bin in 1358 during Hamidoğlu İlyas Bey period.
There are also tombs of two persons named
Sureti Baba (Zorti Baba) and Palor Baba.The
tomb is open for visitors.
Sinan Paşa Mosque
As it is recorded in the inscription on the
door that it was built in 1376. It is
understood that the mosque was built 6 years
before Isparta and its environs came under the
control of Ottomans.
Dündar Bey Madrasa (Theology School)
It was built as an inn in 1237 during the
reign of Seljuk Sultan Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev
II, and was turned into a madrasa in 1301 by
Hamidoğlu Dündar Bey. Two-storeyed Madrasa has
a courtyard in the middle and 30 rooms. At the
entrance of the madrasa, there is a big stone
door. The outer edges of the door were
embellished with the Seljuk Period geometrical
shapes.
Ayastefanos Church
It was built in 19th century. The Restoration
work, commenced by Eğirdir Municipality in
1993, still has been carried out. It is known
that formerly the Greeks of Turkish
Nationality were visiting the church and
performing religious rituals in the church
while they were going to Jerusalem as
Christian Pilgrim nominees.
Aya Georgios Church
It is on the slope of the hill in Eğirdir.
Some parts of the church walls are still
standing.
NATIONAL PARKS
Eğirdir's protected areas are Kovada Lake
National Park and Kasnak Oak Nature
Conservation Area.
Kovada Lake National Park
Kasnak Mesesi Forest Nature Reserve
BEACHES
Altınkum Beach
Beach under Eğirdir train station has fine
sands, and it is the most appropriate place
for swimming in the lake. It is a safe beach
with its shallowness without exceeding human
height even at 200 meters away from the shore.
There are changing cubicles, showers, cafes,
buffets, telephones and health cabinets. The
beach won the award of Blue Flag in 1988. It
has a capacity of 50 tents. Also there are
bungalows for rent.
Bedre Bay
With a 1500 meter coastal line, Bedre Bay is a
beautiful swimming and recreation place on
Eğirdir-Barla road. It is at a distance of 11
km from the city centre. There are changing
cubicles, cafes and camping areas.
SPORTS ACTIVIES
Eğirdir Lake offers opportunities for several
water sports such as water ski, scuba diving
and sail. In addition, fishing is possible in
the lake. On the mountains surrounding Eğirdir,
trekking, mountaineering and paragliding can
be practised. For these sports activities, one
should apply to the Culture and Tourism
Information Office.
What to Eat
There are many restaurants in the surrounding
area of the island and along the lake. Fresh
water bass, lobster and carp can be tasted in
these restaurants. Besides, the district is
famous for its delicious apples.
What to Buy
Rose productions special to the region, such
as rose creme and rose water can be bought
Don't Leave Without
Visiting Kovada Lake National Park,
Eating fish in the island,
Swimming in the lake.
