Artabel Lakes hosted the Nature Sports and Camping Event

The Artabel Lakes Nature Park, located within the borders of Torul district in Gümüşhane, hosted the first ‘Nature Sports and Camping Event’.

In the program attended by Gümüşhane Governor Alper Tanrısever, a workshop event was first organized by the Faculty of Tourism of Gümüşhane University in front of the Visitor Reception Center of the Artabel Lakes Nature Park.

At the event, local delicacies suitable for the region were prepared by Governor Alper Tanrısever, Torul District Governor Muhammet Kılıçaslan, Provincial Gendarmerie Commander Senior Colonel Serhat Demiral, and Gümüşhane University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Selçuk Alemdağ.

At the end of the program here, after serving the local delicacy of Gümüşhane, siron, to the visitors, a nature hike to the Artabel Lakes began for the camping event. After a long and tiring route, climbers and visitors reached the Büyük Lake and enjoyed the unique view by the lakeside. While swimmers affiliated with the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports swam in the ice-cold waters of Büyük Lake, many sports activities such as badminton, kite flying, archery, and volleyball were also organized in the area. After the event, while visitors returned to the reception center via the same route, climbers set up camp at the Büyük Lake area.

“We will promote Artabel Lakes for ecotourism”

Stating that they are working to promote the Artabel Lakes Nature Park to all of Turkey and the world, Torul District Governor Muhammet Kılıçaslan said, “Right now, we are at the very bottom of Abdal Musa Hill in the Artabel Lakes. The lake you see here is the Büyük Lake, located at the lowest point of the Artabel Lakes. We are currently at an altitude of 2,728 meters. We have gathered here for the nature sports and camping event carried out under the leadership of our Provincial Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, and our district governorship. We have completed the hiking activity, and we have collectively reached 2,700 meters, where our athletes and climbers will camp today. In addition, there are citizens who came to explore; they will also enjoy the lake here. The Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports will have various activities. The athletes swam in Büyük Lake despite the water being a bit cold. Along with this, the day will continue with activities such as archery, badminton, and water skiing. We want to introduce the Artabel Lakes to all of Turkey and abroad. This place is truly one of the most wonderful places in Gümüşhane with its flora and nature. While we organize this event, we aim to promote this place to all our people and the entire region. We believe that this will become a beautiful tourism destination, and we are working on it; hopefully, we will contribute to ecotourism in the coming years.”

Swimmer Recep Metehan Koyun, who swam in the ice-cold waters of Artabel Lakes under the Directorate of Youth and Sports, said, “I swam a bit in the lake you see behind me. I had swum here before; it is quite cold water. It makes the body stiff immediately, it revives you. I can say it tires you a lot. Normally, I am one of the best swimmers of the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, and it was a nice experience for me. Hopefully, I will have the chance to do it again.”