Natural and cultural heritage integration and geoconservation recommendatory of the Nemrut- Suphan proposed geopark area, Bitlis- Turkey

Abstract

Nemrut-Suphan proposed geopark area located in Eastern Anatolia, Bitlis County, between the Bitlis City Center and Tatvan-Ahlat-Adilcevaz Villages which covers total of 5.300 square km. Two strato - volcano of Turkey, the Nemrut (2.948 meters) and Suphan (4.058 meters) mountains, are located in this area. The southern part of the area consists of metamorphic rocks meters, which are the oldest strata of Turkey. The biggest soda lake of the World, Lake Van, consist the eastern side, of the geopark area. Ophiolitic rocks also exist in this area, representing the remnant of the ancient Neo - Tethys ocean. Total 44 geosite were proposed and determined in the geopark area, most of them are located on five proposed geo - routes. These proposed geosites and several cultural heritage elements are amalgamated within the scope of the geopark management system. This plan also includes the geo - conservation table of these proposed geosites. This area is ready for announcing as a second "International Geopark" (UNESCO) of Turkey in terms of unique geodiversity, cultural heritages, bio - diversity and different kinds of summer and winter outdoor activity potential, in the light of the performed inventory studies.