Kızılcahamam and Çamlıdere are the richest districts of Ankara in terms of nature. The flora of two districts constitutes a transition zone between Central Anatolia and Black Sea regions. This is why its climate, vegetation and landforms are special. Soğuksu National Park established in 1959 to protect the plants which represent this transition. Kızılcahamam is situated on the historical Silk Road. It is known that Timur hid his elephants in the forests of the region. So, the region has great historical, cultural and geologic riches, particularly with hot, mineral waters. Being close to Ankara metropole (75-85 km) and lack of sufficient local agriculture and industry accelerated the immigration for a job from the region. As in other regions of Anatolia, some villages are almost empty. New business activities and satisfying jobs are needed to keep the people in the region. Because of regional natural riches, there is a huge geotourism potential in Kızılcahamam and Çamlıdere. KÇJJP aims to mobilize this potential.


Geotourism is all the activities to see the rare geologic formations in the nature and get information about them. To watch a big petrified forest, to touch a 15 million years fish bone, to examine a frog and wings of an insect in a swamp 10 million years before present are exciting for everyone. Therefore geotourism stands out in the recent years and integrate the people to the nature.

While it relaxes the people, reminds them to learn and protect the nature.

The big Ankara city and nature enthusiast people of the city increase the geotourism potential of Kızılcahamam and Çamlıdere. The visits of Ankara people to the region will be more efficient with the scientific infrastructure of the project, and they will come to Kızılcahamam more frequently.