Ayvalik attracts underwater photographers and divers
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Rich with red coral usually found in the Red Sea and 60 diving points, the town of Ayvalik in Balikesir district on Turkey's north-western Aegean coast has opened for the season, offering underwater opportunities for divers and undersea photographers.
According to the Hürriyet newspaper, Ayvalik is one of Turkey's most important spots in terms of its diverse flora and fauna, which make it a competitor of the Red sea and the Publication, underlined the importance of the red coral in the area’s tourism value.
Kemal Çalışkan, diving instructor and owner of a diving centre, explained "The red coral, believed to have taken its color from the mineral-rich Mountains by the shores of the Red Sea, may spread in seas with warm climates." He added that the red coral creates an attractive underwater view of the Aegean and that many tourists visit the district to see the coral and to take pictures.
5,000 divers were hosted by four diving centers in Ayvalik alone Last year, "The number of foreign divers increases every day," Çalışkan noted, divers from France, Holland and Sweden come to the district to dive, said Çalışkan, adding that the number is approximately 500 each month.
In addition to the underwater flora and fauna, other factors which make Ayvalik attractive to diving enthusiasts are the plentiful ness of diving points with depths fit for every level [of diver]. There is always a spot available to dive, even in bad weather conditions and many diving points that would be available for use 12 months a year. Ayvalik Mayor Hasan Türközen said they are aiming to promote the area's value and Ayvalık's unique diving track to the foreigners. Türközen said that their goal is to increase diving tourism by better promoting the undersea riches.
Because of its rich architectural heritage, Ayvalik attracts all kinds of visitors, not just diving enthusiasts. The town is a member of the European Association of Historic Towns and Regions. The town is surrounded by the some of Turkey's oldest olive groves, attracts gourmands who want to escape the cliché Turkish kebabs with its healthy, tasty and authentic cuisine, reports BalkanTravellers. com.
According to the Hürriyet newspaper, Ayvalik is one of Turkey's most important spots in terms of its diverse flora and fauna, which make it a competitor of the Red sea and the Publication, underlined the importance of the red coral in the area’s tourism value.
Kemal Çalışkan, diving instructor and owner of a diving centre, explained "The red coral, believed to have taken its color from the mineral-rich Mountains by the shores of the Red Sea, may spread in seas with warm climates." He added that the red coral creates an attractive underwater view of the Aegean and that many tourists visit the district to see the coral and to take pictures.
5,000 divers were hosted by four diving centers in Ayvalik alone Last year, "The number of foreign divers increases every day," Çalışkan noted, divers from France, Holland and Sweden come to the district to dive, said Çalışkan, adding that the number is approximately 500 each month.
In addition to the underwater flora and fauna, other factors which make Ayvalik attractive to diving enthusiasts are the plentiful ness of diving points with depths fit for every level [of diver]. There is always a spot available to dive, even in bad weather conditions and many diving points that would be available for use 12 months a year. Ayvalik Mayor Hasan Türközen said they are aiming to promote the area's value and Ayvalık's unique diving track to the foreigners. Türközen said that their goal is to increase diving tourism by better promoting the undersea riches.
Because of its rich architectural heritage, Ayvalik attracts all kinds of visitors, not just diving enthusiasts. The town is a member of the European Association of Historic Towns and Regions. The town is surrounded by the some of Turkey's oldest olive groves, attracts gourmands who want to escape the cliché Turkish kebabs with its healthy, tasty and authentic cuisine, reports BalkanTravellers. com.
Labels: Tourism
