A nearby point of reference from antiquity lies close to Karahisar: The city of Dadastana was located between the villages of Karahisar and İslamalan and is identified with the village of İslamalan. Emperor Jovian died in Dadastana in the winter of 363/364 AD, while returning to Rome. Dadastana thus connects a specific settlement location with a dated event from late antiquity.

Nature and Birdwatching in the Wider Region

In the wider region, Nallıhan Bird Paradise lies within the boundaries of the village of Davutoğlan in Nallıhan district, Ankara Province. This artificial wetland ecosystem is located north of the Sarıyar Dam, which began operating in 1959, at the confluence of the Aladağ Çayı and the Sarıyar Reservoir. With its bird populations, as well as its geological and scenic values, the area offers suitable conditions for nature photography and birdwatching. To date, 191 bird species have been observed there; further observations may change this number. In addition, a 425-hectare area at the confluence was designated a wildlife development area in 1994; hunting is prohibited there.

The geographic distances are useful for planning a trip: Dadastana is an ancient point of reference in the immediate vicinity, while Kuş Cenneti and the designated area are nature attractions in the wider region. This makes it possible to distinguish historical orientation from an interest in nature according to their respective regional scale, rather than treating them as one offering in the same place.

History in the Nallıhan Travel Region

Nallıhan’s history spans a different period. From the 15th to the 18th century, Nallıhan was part of the Sanjak of Hüdavendigar (Bursa) as the Karahisar-ı Naallu nahiye; this name is part of Nallıhan’s administrative history at the time. Construction of Kocahan was completed in 1595. Nallıhan was moved from its former location to its present site. In the wider region, Kocahan and the Nasuhpaşa Mosque have been registered and restored as historical monuments. The region thus brings together administrative history, relocation, and restored monuments as distinct historical topics. These also belong to different periods: a centuries-long administrative affiliation alongside the completion of construction in 1595 and the relocation.

Crafts and Cultural Traditions

Nallıhan’s culture also includes silk needle lace: it is handmade and inspired by the nature of Nallıhan. Its motifs depict plants, flowers, animals, or people; each motif has its own meaning and story. The motifs are therefore more than mere patterns: each has its own meaning and story. For those interested, this craft combines nature-inspired motifs with artistic design. Handicraft markets are held in districts such as Nallıhan, especially in summer, where visitors can discover handmade, original products. The markets are a seasonal occasion, while silk needle lace remains a craft tradition.

Another cultural layer in time is the commemoration of Taptuk Emre and his student Yunus Emre. From 1997 until it was renamed in 2010, it was held annually in August. In 2010, it was named the “International Nallıhan Taptuk Emre and İğne Oyaları Culture and Arts Festival”; from that year onward, it was held in the first week of September.

Discover more destinations: Ayaş, Çayırhan, Akyurt/Ankara, Şereflikoçhisar, Akkaya, Ankara, Gölbaşı, Serinyayla Köyü

Go to the main travel overview: Ankara.