Closing conference of the project "Europe to Turkey on Foot" under the partnership of Culture Routes Society Turkey and European Association of the Via Francigena was held on 01-02 February 2017 in Demre-Antalya.
Route starts from Canterbury (UK) and planned to be finalised in Jerusalem in the following years, where Evliya Çelebi, St. Paul and Lycian Ways will be included as a part of it in Turkey.
First of all I need to thank the Culture Routes Society Turkey for this hard work. I should admit they work with devotion.
Presentations were made about Via Francigena, sustainabity of hiking tourism in Turkey, hiking paths in Italy and Greece, protection of the Lycian Way and other routes as well.
I was invited by Culture Routes Society and made a presentation about "Turkish hikers on Culture Routes". It seems presentation was effective enough, that I got very responsive feedback.
Presentation included some statistical data, in addition to this I tried to explain our responsibilities and problems throughout the routes. Although my time was time-limited, I had to go into details in some cases, such as;
- garbage
- fire / camp fire
- awareness (GPS, Guide Books, websites, warnings)
- Prescribed campsites
- Telephone or online help during emergency situations
- There should be no additional markings during the route where there are some due to commercial reasons or regional waymarkings of municipalities.
- Ideas and opinions about local businesses and sustainability
- I emphasized that waymarking of routes should be in a certain standard where Culture Routes Society should be included in these studies.
I tried fulfill my presentation in 10-15 minutes including the information/data I receive via Facebook group (14k members) and emails. I greeted all participants, from the people in social media’s warm greetings.
On the last day of the conference we had a Kekova Boat tour presenting the "A break on the Lycian Way" project where we were shown additional routes on LW. Thanks to Andriake Camping, Barış Yüksel for contributing this project.
As we are huge group of people that have the main power to protect the routes. Support is very important. I witnessed the social medias power once more.
All the Best...
Altug Senel
03.Feb.2017
Photo with Osman Gungor, project leader of St.Nicholas Way |
This was the olive tree that I planted in 2014 after I completed the main parts of St.Nicholas Way. It was 30 cm., now it is 2.5 meters. |
Photo with Gurcu. She has a huge efforts in St.Nicholas Way. |
During the presentation |
Kekova Boat Tour |
Ucagiz |
Theimussa Ancint City Ruins (Ucagiz) |
Kalekoy (Simena Ancient City) |
Photo with Baris, Andriake Camping, Cayagiz |
Baris is presenting the new routes to be added on Lycian Way. |
Lycian Way hikers will have the chance to swim and relax at this bay (Buzagilik Bay) as a part of "A break on Lycian Way" project. |
LW waymarks just up above. We will have a small dock/stage here. |
Photo with Kate Clow, founder of Lycian Way. |
Second Day photo session. |