Photo: Adnan Bozkurt (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 9 places to visit in the Nallıhan district of Ankara: Sarıyar Dam, Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary (Davutoğlan Bird Sanctuary) and Rainbow Hills (Girl's Hill). Plan your trip to Nallıhan with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Nallıhan is a district of Ankara Province. Located 168 km from Ankara on the historic Silk Road, the district covers 2,079 km² and has an average elevation of 629 metres above sea level. Nallıhan takes its name from the Nallı Stream that flows nearby and from the caravanserai built by Nasuh Paşa, one of the Ottoman viziers.
The district’s important attractions include the Bird Sanctuary, Hoşebe, Ilıca Waterfall, Taptuk Emre, Bacım Sultan, Sarıyar Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant. It is the region in Türkiye where the endangered white stork lives in the greatest numbers, and it is one of the habitats of other rare bird species.
Tomatoes and peppers are the main sources of livelihood in the district, and bean and tomato cultivation is widespread. Boron is mined in the district, and there is a Çayırhan Thermal Power Plant and a sodium sulphate production facility belonging to Alkim Alkali Kimya.
The district takes its name from the Nallı Stream and from the caravanserai built by Nasuh Paşa. The towns of Çayırhan and Sarıyar were turned into neighbourhoods under Law No. 6360.
Last updated:
Photo: Carole Raddato from Frankfurt, Germany (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Source Juliopolis, near Nallıhan, was an important settlement during the Roman period. The ruins of the ancient city include city walls, a hammam and a necropolis area.
View on mapA rectangular caravanserai with 46 rooms, built in 1599 by Grand Vizier Nasuh Paşa.
View on mapThe tomb of Taptuk Emre, the teacher of the famous folk poet Yunus Emre, is located in the village of Emremsultan in Nallıhan. Living in the 12th–13th centuries, Taptuk Emre is one of the important figures of Anatolian Sufi tradition.
View on map
Photo: Adnan Bozkurt (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source One of Türkiye's largest bird sanctuaries, the Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary is home to more than 200 bird species. Located on the shore of Sarıyar Dam Lake, this wetland provides shelter to thousands of birds, especially during migration periods.
View on mapColourful hills made of limestone, gypsum, marl and clay soils resemble a natural open-air museum. Layers in red, yellow, white and green tones create a unique landscape.
View on map
Photo: Raicem (CC BY 4.0) · Source The lake formed by the Sarıyar Dam built on the Sakarya River is an ideal place for boat trips, fishing and nature photography, with its green surroundings.
View on mapA wetland home to 179 bird species, it is the region in Türkiye where the white stork lives in the greatest numbers.
View on mapAt the foot of Sarıçalı Mountain National Park, it is the only waterfall within the borders of Ankara.
View on mapTogether with the Sarıyar Hydroelectric Power Plant, it is an important tourist attraction and energy production facility of the district.
View on mapWhile you are in Nallıhan, you can also see the highlights of Ankara province. These places are in other districts; Nallıhan is about 160 km from the provincial centre.
A pide specific to Nallıhan, known for its thin dough and generous fillings. Minced meat and cheese varieties baked in a stone oven are the most preferred.
Prepared by slowly cooking and pounding cracked wheat and meat, keşkek is the traditional dish of wedding and holiday tables. Pounding the wheat and boiling it for hours with meat is a process that requires patience.
Fresh trout around Sarıyar Dam Lake is served grilled or steamed at local facilities.
One of Nallıhan's local dishes.
Nallıhan needle lace is a handicraft passed down from generation to generation among women for centuries. Recognised by UNESCO, this tradition is one of the most important elements of the district's cultural identity.
The presence of the tomb of Taptuk Emre, teacher of Yunus Emre, in Nallıhan makes the district one of the important centres of Anatolian Sufi tradition.
Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary is an important destination attracting local and foreign bird watchers. Bird watching events held every year increase the district's ecotourism potential.
The economy of Nallıhan consists of agriculture, handicrafts and tourism. Needle lace production is an important source of income. Fishing and ecotourism are developing around Sarıyar Dam Lake. In agriculture, wheat, barley and fruit are grown.
Nallıhan is 160 km from Ankara city centre. It lies on the Ankara–Bolu highway (D-655). There are regular bus services from AŞTİ.
The 9 highlights of Nallıhan are: Sarıyar Dam, Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary (Davutoğlan Bird Sanctuary), Rainbow Hills (Girl's Hill), Taptuk Emre Tomb, Sarıyar Dam Lake, Juliopolis Ancient City, Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary, Uyuzsuyu (Ilıca) Waterfall and Nasuh Paşa Caravanserai.
Nallıhan Pide, Keşkek, Alabalık (Trout) and Kapama Pilavı are the standout flavours on Nallıhan's tables.
Nallıhan is known for Nallıhan Needle Lace and the Needle Lace Tradition. Registered at TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication product.
Nallıhan is 160 km from Ankara city centre. It lies on the Ankara–Bolu highway (D-655). There are regular bus services from AŞTİ.
Suggested visit length: 1–2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.