Rock Crags Kazikli Canyon

Kazikli Canyon

By: Recep Ince

Country: Turkey, Region: Aladaglar, Town: Marti

In recent years Turkey's Aladaglar has gained in popularity for multipitch rock climbs, but this mountainous region also contains two important areas dedicated to sport climbing: the Cimbar Valley and Kazikli Canyon, the latter of which I will describe in this article.

Kazikli Canyon received its name over a century ago from a farmer called Ali who used wooden stakes - "kazik" - to climb the cracks in the canyon to get honey from the caves. These stakes can still be seen in the canyon and due to their historical value these cracks with wooden stakes are closed for climbing.

Kazikli Canyon was discovered for rock climbing by Recep Ince, Zeynep Tantekin and Süleyman Vardal in 2003. More than 2 km long, the climbing takes place on both of its walls which average in height between 80-90m. The first routes were established that same year at the entrance of the canyon and Krallar Vadisi, one of the most popular sectors in the canyon, was first bolted thanks to the support of the Italians Maurizio Oviglia and Rolando Larcher. To date there are more than 250 routes in the canyon and the local climbing couple Zeynep Tantekin and Recep Ince have played a leading role in developing the area.

GETTING THERE

From Adana take the motorway Ankara-Adana.Turn of at exit from Pozanti. 3km after Pozanti turn off right for Camardi. After 60km turn off right for Cukurbag – Marti. Drive 4 km towards to mountains to reach the Kazikli canyon on the right.

THE CLIMBING

There are over 250 routes of all types and their quality is awesome: big overhangs, big holds, small pockets, bouldery route, power endurance, stamina... In short: powerful conglomerate climbing on big pockets. Although some routes contain one or two fingers pockets, these tend not to be too sharp.

FOOD AND ACCOMODATION

There closest town is called Camardi and offers all you need, including restaurants. Wild camping is not allowed close to Kazikli Canyon, but if you want to camp in the National Park there is a camp site called Sarimemetler, 3 km from the Kazikli Canyon.Alternatively, stay at the "Aladaglar Camping" at the village Marti, just 4 km from the Kazikli Canyon. Run by the local climbers Zeynep Tantekin and Recep Ince, the camp site also offers bungalows.

NOTES

During rest days we recommend the amazing treks inside the Aladaglar National Park or a visit the world famous region Cappadocia, just 80 km away.

Zeynep Tantekin and Recep Ince run a camp site called "Aladaglar Camping" located close to the canyon. The future of area? no wild camping close to Kazikli Canyon, don’t use liquid chalk, don’t mark to holds, take all trash and toilet paper with you. And enjoy your climbing!