A Journey to the Hidden Forest of Karacabey

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore a forest that is flooded by water? A forest where you can see hundreds of different birds, animals, and plants, all living in harmony with nature? A forest that is so unique and beautiful that it feels like a fairy tale? If you are looking for such a place, then you should visit the Karacabey Longoz Forests in Bursa, Turkey.

Longoz is the name given to forests that are inundated by water. The word longoz comes from the Turkish word "longa", which means "boat". This is because the only way to access these forests is by boat. The Karacabey Longoz Forests are the largest longoz forests in Turkey, covering an area of about 8,000 hectares. They are located in the Karacabey district of Bursa, near the Marmara Sea.

I visited the Karacabey Longoz Forests last summer, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I booked a tour with a local guide, who took me and a few other tourists on a canoe trip through the forest. The guide told us that the forest is home to more than 200 bird species, including herons, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers, and flamingos. He also said that there are many mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish living in the forest, such as wild boars, deer, foxes, turtles, frogs, and carp.

As we paddled through the water, I felt like I was in a different world. The forest was so green and lush, with trees of various kinds, such as willows, alders, oaks, and poplars. The water was clear and calm, reflecting the sky and the trees. The air was fresh and fragrant, filled with the sounds of birds and insects. I saw many colorful flowers, such as water lilies, irises, and orchids. I also spotted some animals, such as a squirrel, a snake, and a duck. It was a truly magical sight.

The guide told us a story about how the forest was formed. He said that long ago, there was a village near the forest, where people lived happily and peacefully. One day, a greedy and cruel sultan came to the village and demanded that the villagers pay him a huge amount of taxes. The villagers refused, saying that they had nothing to give. The sultan became angry and ordered his soldiers to burn down the village and kill everyone. The villagers prayed to God for help, and God heard their prayers. He sent a flood to the village, which submerged the village and the sultan's army under water. The villagers were saved, and they moved to another place. The water remained, and over time, it created the longoz forest. The guide said that this is why the forest is so rich and diverse, because it is blessed by God.

I was fascinated by this story, and I wondered if it was true or not. I asked the guide if there was any evidence of the village under the water. He said that sometimes, when the water level is low, you can see some traces of the village, such as stones, bricks, and pottery. He said that he had seen them himself, and that they were very old and mysterious. He said that the forest is a sacred place, and that we should respect it and protect it.

I agreed with him, and I felt a deep connection with the forest. I felt that the forest was alive, and that it had a soul. I felt that the forest was telling me its stories, and that it was inviting me to discover its secrets. I felt that the forest was a friend, and that it was giving me a gift. I felt grateful and happy.

I hope that you enjoyed reading my blog post about the Karacabey Longoz Forests. If you ever have a chance to visit Bursa, I highly recommend that you go to the forest and see it for yourself. You will not regret it. It is a place that you will never forget. It is a place that will touch your heart. It is a place that will make you smile.