THE ANATOLIAN DIAGONAL
EAST MEETS WEST
Relief maps often illuminate mega-scale physical features very clearly, the Great Rift is easily picked out, also the mountain barrier of the Caucasus between the Black and Caspian Seas. The Anatolian Diagonal is hardly discernable on such maps yet it seems a biogeographical divide of some importance. Stretching from the southern foothills of the Black Sea Mountains the diagonal takes us through the Munzur Mountains and the Anti-Taurus range before eventually reaching the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean. What is so striking is that most plant species occur either only to the east of it, or only to the west of it. There are also almost 400 species, including some absolute gems, that occur only along it! It is an extraordinary fact that of 3200 species of plant found along the diagonal nearly one-quarter are endemic to Turkey.
Beautiful almost unpronounceable Tchihatchewia isatidea is confined to the diagonal, the spires of silver-hairy leaves topped with a large rounded head of purple-pink flowers. A crucifer too! The high country of the Munzur Mountains has perhaps the finest snowmelt flora in the middle-east, with dense displays of pink Colchicum szovitsii, yellow Caltha polypetala and brilliant blue Scilla sibirica. Unbelievable groups of Iris reticulata bloom in profusion whilst Muscaris armeniacum and Muscari azureum shower slopes blue. We’ll seek Scilla mesopotamica, red Tulipa armena, the tall pink spikes of Dactylorhiza osmanica, bizarre Eminium intortum, and the luscious glossy blackish bells of Fritillaria armena. A secluded valley north of Malatya hosts the rare and magnificent Fritillaria imperialis. A new juno Iris species with striking yellow and white flowers was discovered here in 2007 and is awaiting a suitable name! An extension takes us to a pass where Fritillaria lutea blooms amongst a magnificent display of variously coloured Iris stenophylla. Iris sari blooms close by Nemrut Dağı, a mountain with fantastic views over the Mesopotamian plain. Topped with a fifty metre high tumulus and surrounded by colossal statues of Commagene deities, the extraordinary hierotheseion (royal burial precinct) of Antiochus I is one of the most amazing historical sites in Turkey.
INFORMATION
Focus
Flowers, particularly spring bulbs. Also Landscapes and Cultural Sites.
Leaders
Basak Gardner , Owen Mountford
Walking
Reasonably easy. Up to four or fives miles each day, though often less, and always at a slow pace, perfectly suited to photographers. Occasional steep slopes.
Included in the Price
All flights. All transport, meals and accommodation in Turkey. Services of your leaders. Please note: drinks, tips, Turkish Entry Visa (currently £10), and items of a personal nature including insurance, are not included.
Group Size
The minimum is 5 and the maximum is 15.
Accommodation
After a night in the welcoming Turcoman Hotel situated close by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul we’ll move eastwards to Erzincan for a two night stay at the Buyuk Erzincan Hotel. Next are two nights in the Munzur Oteli not far from Ovacik. After a night in the rather plush Akgün Elazığ Hotel in Elazığ we’ll head back into the Munzur for a three night stay at the warm and comfortable Bozkurt Hotel in Kemaliye. The main tour finishes with two nights at the 4-star Altın Kayısı (golden apricot!) Hotel in Malatya, those on the extension have a further night at the Altın Kayısı, followed by two nights in the family-run Hotel Kervansaray at Nemrut. All rooms on this tour have en suite facilities.
Climate
Often warm and sunny however there will be showers, these sometimes heavy, and more prolonged cooler damper weather is a distinct possibility. Sometimes quite cold at higher altitudes.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. A detailed information pack will be dispatched twelve weeks prior to departure. Bulb and butterfly checklists are available.
