Arapapıştı Canyon, located on the border of Aydın, Denizli, and Muğla provinces, offers a unique blend of nature and cultural tourism with its natural beauty and thousands of years old historical remains.

Formed by the erosion of the Akçay River, which feeds the Kemer Dam, is now attracting many visitors during the spring and summer months. With its steep slopes reaching approximately 380 meters, the canyon appeals to nature photographers and adventure enthusiasts.

Meanwhile its 2,500-year-old rock tombs, a monastery hidden within the slopes, and the ruins of the historical Körteke Castle are attracting history lovers.

Discovered in 2016 and accessible by boat tours initiated by Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu, the 9km canyon attracts both domestic and foreign tourists.

Visitors can enjoy boat tours as well as admire the beauty of the canyon from a point called the “viewing point.” The canyon also offers visitors a rich natural environment. Those exploring the area can encounter mountain goats, birds of prey, and other wildlife.

Nehir Dursun, who had the opportunity to see the richness of the canyon by taking a boat tour, said: “I came from Didim. I think it’s an experience everyone should have. It was beautiful. The air is lovely. I saw many different animals. I think it’s a place everyone should visit, see, and experience.”

Beytullah Mercan, also from Didim, added: “It was a wonderful experience. We had wanted to come to the canyon for a long time. Apparently, reservations are required. By chance, there was a small opening, and thanks to that, we were able to come.

“It was a magnificent experience. We had a great time and enjoyed ourselves. I would like to thank everyone involved. There are beautiful endemic species and beautiful animals. We found it very successful. I would like to thank everyone involved again.”

Simge Öztürk, also from Didim, said, “The canyon is very beautiful. I’ve wanted to come here for a long time. I would like to thank our Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu for this. It’s definitely a place everyone should come and see. I thank Aydın Municipality for providing this experience.”

Aydın Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu stated that Arapapıştı Canyon is one of the important ecotourism centres in the region and invited all citizens to view it.

The canyon’s name is based on a story as interesting as the canyon itself. According to legend, in the 7th century AD, during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Heraclius, Arab raiders who reached the region were unable to cross the canyon due to the deep valleys and steep cliffs, and thus became stranded there.

The expression used by the local people, meaning “the place where the Arabs were astonished,” gradually transformed into the name Arapapıştı and has survived for centuries to the present day.