MOUNT DAVRAZ – ISPARTA
Mount Davraz, Isparta east, Isparta and Egirdir 25 km away, connected to the Taurus Mountains 2637 m high ski tourism is an open mountain. The people are called both Davraz and Davras. Davraz is one of the mountain masses in the Göller region of the Mediterranean region, rising between Eğirdir and Kovada Lakes and surrounding the Isparta Plain. Mount Gelincik (2808 m), Dedegöl Mountains, Dipoyraz (3007 m) around Davraz. The highest point of the mountain, where Davraz ski center is located, is Ulparçukuru Hill with 2635 meters.
There are two summits called Great Davraz and Küçük Davraz. As it is suitable for ski tourism in most of the year, studies have been carried out in this regard in recent years and the name established in 2200 meters has become frequently mentioned in ski tourism. Davraz Mountain is also one of Turkey’s most beautiful slopes with ski and winter sports centers.
Davraz Mountain-Karlıyayla Winter Sports Tourism Center is located 26 km southeast of Isparta city center. On 17.02.1995, it was declared as a Tourism Center. The nearest settlement is 8 km away from Çobanisa Village. The Ski Center is located on the northern slope of Davraz Mountain in the Kulovası Plateau. Dominant vegetation, pine, juniper, cedar and herbaceous plants are formed.
Davraz Ski Center has a distinct advantage due to its proximity to Antalya and its convenient location. The geographical characteristics of Davraz also allow other nature sports other than skiing.
The nearest cities are the province seat of Isparta and its dependent district of Eğirdir, both of which are at a roughly equal distance of 25 km from the Davraz Ski Resort . Antalya is 140 km away and, served by good road connections, is approximately a 1 ½ hour transfer. The tallest peak at the resort is 2,637 m with the highest skiing height being at 2,250 m . There are black, red, blue and yellow runs, so there are facilities for all levels of skiers. Access to the slopes is via drag and chair lifts – depending on the particular run.
Iconic places near Davras
Lake Eğirdir
Situated at the Turkish Lakeland, Eğirdir is the fourth biggest lake in Turkey with a history dating back to B.C.E.
This big lake, home to Can Ada (Can Island) and Yeşil Ada (Green Island) offers you an unforgettable experience with its cozy restaurants and cafes and the spectacular beauty of its scenery.
Covered in part with reeds and water lilies, Eğirdir Gölü hosts 91 plant species. Hosting also more than 150 kinds of birds, this rich lake is a highly inviting place of attraction.
The lake has also a variety of fish species and fisheries which are an important source of income for the locals. There are many restaurants in the region where you can get a taste of these delicious fish. In the summer you can enjoy the sun and the beach either at the coastline or on the islands found in the lake.
In addition to the lake, its water activities and tasty fish, the Eğirdir area offers year-round action, including the rose harvest in May and June, apple harvest in autumn and skiing in winter. History-loving hikers can explore the St Paul Trail and ascend to the lofty ruins of Sagalassos, perched among the rocky peaks of the Taurus Mountains.
Isparta
Isparta (Sparta) is a city in Turkey, prefecture of the province of the same name. Its population is 243,020 and the elevation from sea level is 1035 m. Another name of the city is “City of Roses”. Isparta’s endemic rose name is Rosa Damacen. Süleyman Demirel University has introduced thousands of youngs from various backgrounds to the city’s mostly conservative fabric in the recent years.
There are several important mosques in Isparta, including the pre-Ottoman Hizir Bey Mosque (c. 1325), the Kutlubey or Ulu (Grand) Mosque (1429, with major restorations in the 19th century) and Haci Abdi Mosque (1569).
There are several remains of Greek Orthodox churches from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods (14th-19th century). The Byzantine fortress is mostly in ruins.
Isparta was the center of Diocese (subsequently Greek Archbishopric) of Psidia after losing Ağlasun’s former importance.
Culinary specialities
Uluborlu Banak: This dish is made with plenty of fresh meats, broth and pide (round flat bread).
Isparta Kabune Rice: In Isparta, it is prepared when people come together for special occasions; it is cooked in copper pots and served on copper plates. It is mainly eaten with a stew of white beans and meat.
Yalvaç Hamursuz Bread: Hamursuz is a distinctive bread flavoured with butter, tahini, and mashed potatoes. It is a traditional flavour of the Yalvaç district and is made especially for weddings, to be sent to the groom’s house.
Rose-flavoured Turkish delight: The beauty, scent and flavour of roses from Isparta’s rose gardens are infused into Turkish delight, enhancing coffee pleasure even as it fascinates with its appearance.
Rose Jam: The indispensable element of a trip to Türkiye is the Turkish breakfast, where various kinds of regional jams take their place on tables. Rose jam made with Isparta’s fragrant roses is distinctive compared to other jams in both its taste and composition.
Phyllo bread: It is made by baking thin sheets of dough, about the size of a medium tray, on a metal plate. The bread remains fresh and is consumed throughout the year. The main purpose of the bread is thus: it is made just before the harvest time, as the local people do not have time to cook, particularly during the harvest. The bread is heated after wetting it with water when it is to be eaten.
Yalvaç (Kesmik) Güllaç (Rose Pudding): The characteristic that distinguishes Kesmik, also known as Yalvaç Güllaç, from other güllaç desserts is that it is made with a type of curd cheese. Kesmik güllaç, tasting and prepared differently than other güllaç desserts, is shaped in the form of a rose – probably because it is made in Isparta.