Home to a variety of world trees, Ataturk Arboretum stands as a verdant haven.
Atatürk Arboretum in Yalova: A Living Testament to Turkey's Botanical Heritage
The Atatürk Arboretum, located in the picturesque Termal district of Yalova, Turkey, stands as a testament to the country's rich botanical history. Established on August 19, 1929, under the order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this arboretum was the first of its kind in the country.
Initially developed on Mediterranean scrubland, the arboretum was designed by the renowned French architect Henri Prost. Over the years, it has grown to span approximately 1.08 million square meters, housing over 1,500 trees from 66 different species.
The diversity of the arboretum's tree collection is a testament to Atatürk's vision. He actively promoted the collection by sending letters to foreign ambassadors, who in turn sent saplings of native trees from their countries. As a result, the arboretum hosts a diverse collection representing global tree species, including many from the U.S., China, Argentina, and Albania.
Notable among these trees are a western plane tree that is nearly 320 years old and an eastern plane tree inside the Çınar Cafe, which is almost 270 years old. Hydrangeas, Atatürk’s favourite, are widely grown, having spread throughout Turkey starting from this region.
The arboretum is not just a botanical wonder but also holds historical significance. It is located within a designated conservation forest and serves as a living laboratory for forestry students and visitors. The summer house that Atatürk used during his visits is now open to the public.
Conservation efforts at the arboretum focus on pruning, maintenance at specific times, and using sustainable natural methods to preserve the arboretum’s wide variety of species and ensure their longevity. Rare tree species native to Turkey can be observed in the arboretum's greenhouses under the supervision of experts like landscape architect Vasfiye Balcı.
Today, the trees planted nearly 100 years ago stand mature, providing a living legacy of Atatürk’s vision. The Atatürk Arboretum continues to welcome visitors in its 96th year, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich diversity of global tree species and Turkey's botanical heritage.
Environmental science students often visit the Atatürk Arboretum, located in Yalova's Termal district, to learn about home and garden landscape management involving trees from various parts of the world. The Arboretum's diverse collection ranges from Mediterranean scrubland species to trees from Chinese, Argentinean, and Albanian origins, showcasing how different tree species can contribute to one's lifestyle and home environment.
