Mount Barla
Mount Barla is a located in the province of Isparta in southwestern Turkey. The mountain is part of the Western Taurus Mountains, which stretches along the southern coast of Turkey and is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The mountain is a popular destination for activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, and is also known for its traditional villages, historic sites, and scenic trails. The mountain is also known for the famous legend of the region, “The Legend of the Weasel”.
Where is Barla Mountain?
Barla Mountain is located in the province of Isparta in southwestern Turkey. It is part of the north-west of the Taurus Mountains, which runs along the south coast of the country. The mountain is located within the borders of Atabey district. There is Eğirdir Lake in the east of the mountain, Senarkent in the north, Uluborlu and Gönen districts in the west. At the same time, Davraz Mountain is located in the south of the mountain. You can see Mount Barla on Google Map
In which province is Mount Barla?
Barla Mountain is located in Isparta province of Turkey.
How Much Is Barla Mountain Altitude?
The altitude of Barla Mountain in Turkey is approximately 2798 meters above sea level. It is the elevation in the north-west of the Taurus Mountains, which stretches along the south coast of the country.
How to Go to Barla Mountain?
The easiest way to reach Mount Barla in Turkey depends on your starting location and mode of transportation. Here are a few options:
By Car: If you are traveling by car, you can reach Barla Mountain from nearby cities such as Isparta, Burdur and Antalya. The journey will typically involve driving on scenic roads through the Taurus Mountains. If you go through Isparta, you have to continue from Atabey district. Atabey is one of the districts closest to the mountain.
By public transport: You can come to the region from anywhere in Turkey by bus. First of all, you can go to Isparta and then to Atabey, which is the closest district to Barla Mountain, by public transport. You can come to the mountain region by bus or minibus from surrounding cities such as Isparta, Burdur and Antalya.
By Tour: Another option is to join an organized tour, which usually includes transportation from your starting point to Mount Barla. If you prefer not to worry about the logistics of getting there on your own, this is a viable option.
By plane: You can use the Süleyman Demirel Airport in Isparta. However, it can be difficult to find regular flights as it is a small airport. Alternatively, you can use Murat Paşa Airport in Antalya. Then you can come to the mountain area with a similar route.
Barla Mountain Mountaineering Activities
Barla Mountain in Turkey is a popular destination for nature lovers and offers a variety of mountaineering activities. Here are a few of the most popular events:
Hiking: Barla Mountain is a popular hiking destination with its paths leading to scenic vantage points, traditional villages and historical sites.
Camping: The mountain is also a popular destination for camping, with several designated campsites and facilities for visitors.
Wildlife watching: Barla Mountain is home to a variety of wildlife, including raptors, and is a popular wildlife spotting destination.
Rock climbing: Some parts of Barla Mountain, which offers challenging routes for experienced climbers, are also popular for rock climbing.
Mountain biking: Mountain biking is another popular activity in the area, with trails and trails offering scenic views and the chance to explore the surrounding countryside.
The Legend of Mount Barla
There is no direct legend of Barla Mountain. However, there is another very popular legend about the mountain. The name of this legend is the Legend of the Weasel Mother. There is a hill with an altitude of 2734 meters on the north-facing hill of Barla Mountain, 10 km east of Senarkent district of Isparta. It is rumored that on a grassy plain on this hill, Mother Poppy lies in an oval area, 10 meters long and 5 meters wide, surrounded by a wall, arranged in the form of a random pile of stones. There are two rumors about the Poppy Mother.
First Narration: There was a group that camped in this region every year. This group once again set up a tent on the plateau. The son of a member of the group got married here last year. The hands of new brides are condemned in Turks. Rumor has it that the new bride with henna on her hands had her first meal at the fire she lit here. The bride’s family told her to start a fire immediately. The bride, who came to her mind at that moment, went to the side where the wood was to fetch the three burnt wood that she had put into the soil from last year. He brought the wood from the ground. Her family, who saw that it was still on fire, were astonished and said that the wood would not stay burned in the ground for a year, that the bride had come there before her for another purpose and deceived herself.
The bride looked at her with all her purity. Throwing the burned wood in his hand with all his might, he said: “My God, take my life” and died there. One of the wood he threw went where it was, the second in the stream called Akdere, the third went under Yassiören. This mountain was later named after this bride.
After this incident between the bride and her family, this mountain was named Gelincik Mountain. It is believed that the place where the bride died was also her grave. People come here to make vows and make wishes at the Tomb of Mother Poppy.
Second Narration: There was a group that camped in this region every year. This group once again set up a tent on the plateau. The newly married bride’s mother-in-law asked the bride to light a fire and cook. The bride gathered twigs but could not light the fire because of the wind. When the bride could not light the fire despite all her efforts, the evil mother-in-law of the bride hit the bride very hard with her stick. The bride did not understand what was happening. Ashes from last year touched the bride’s hair and her hair was covered with ashes.
The spark that had remained under the ashes from last year ignited the poor bride’s hair. The bride was stuck in the fire all of a sudden. While the bride was burning there, the pile of bushes and twigs next to her also caught fire. The bride turned to ash in these flames. Those who came to the scene took pity on the bride and cried a lot. The wicked mother-in-law knelt down and begged God and regretted what she had done to her innocent daughter-in-law. But it’s too late. They buried the bride’s bones on this hill. Later, people named this mountain as the Weasel Mother.
Where Does the Name Barla Mountain Come From?
The name Barla comes from the root word “barlı”. Barılı, as a word, means surrounded, wooded and forested. Naming the mountain Barla may be due to the dense forest areas on the mountain.
Places Near Mount Barla
Isparta is a city located in western Turkey, approximately 100 kilometers from Barla Mountain. It is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here are a few popular places to visit in Isparta:
Isparta Museum: Located in the city center, this museum displays the cultural and historical heritage of Isparta and the surrounding region.
Süleyman Pasha Mosque: This historical mosque is located in the city center and is known for its intricate tile work and other decorative features.
Alahan Monastery: Located in the Taurus Mountains near Isparta, this former Byzantine monastery is known for its well-preserved ruins and scenic location.
Yalvaç Thermal Springs: Located near Isparta, these thermal springs are known for their therapeutic properties.
Ağlasun: Located near Isparta, this town is known for its natural beauties and historical sites such as Ağlasun Castle.
You can see Mount Barla Photos Google Photos
You may also want to learn about Turkey’s highest mountain, Mount Ararat. Please click on the link to read more about majestic Mount Ararat.