Photo: Nazmi32 (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Kızıldağ National Park
A park within the district boundaries that is important economically and socially thanks to its clean air and cedar trees.
View on map6 places to visit in the Şarkikaraağaç district of Isparta: Kızıldağ National Park, Beyşehir Lake Shore and Sultandağları Range. Plan your trip to Şarkikaraağaç with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Şarkikaraağaç, known locally as Karaağaç, is a district of Isparta province. It is the third largest district in Isparta province, which has twelve districts, in terms of population. The district covers 1,068 km², and its elevation is 1,167 metres.
Name Origin
The word ‘şarkî’ in the district’s name means ‘eastern, belonging to the east’. Because another district in Denizli province is also called Karaağaç, the Karaağaç attached to Isparta was given the adjective ‘şarkî’ to avoid confusion, as it lies a little further east.
History
Şarkikaraağaç came under Seljuk rule at the beginning of the 12th century. In 1864 it was attached to Konya province as a kaza, and in 1878 it was attached to Isparta province. It is one of the most important settlements in the Lakes Region. Gelendost and Yenişarbademli were separated from Şarkikaraağaç, which had been one of the largest districts of Isparta until the 1950s, for political reasons and made into districts of their own.
Geography
Şarkikaraağaç lies in the western part of the Mediterranean Region, in the Lakes Region, on the Isparta–Konya road. The average elevation of the district centre is 1,168 metres above sea level. Around the district are the Sultandağları Mountains to the north-east, the Anamas Mountains to the west, and the Orta Toros, Karadağ and Kızıldağ mountains to the south.
Economy
Kızıldağ National Park, within the district boundaries, brings real economic and social activity to the district, especially in the summer months, thanks to its clean air and cedar trees. The district’s area holds 0.05 per cent of the world’s barite deposits.
History and Culture
In ancient times, Şarkikaraağaç, known as Neapolis, was founded on a fertile plain suitable for farming and trade, and has a rich history. Kızıldağ National Park was officially granted national park status in 1993, bringing economic and tourism activity to the region.
Last updated: