The 12,533-hectare Deveboynu Peninsula, located within the boundaries of Gevaş district in Van and Tatvan district in Bitlis, has become Türkiye’s 54th national park under the name Van Lake Deveboynu Peninsula National Park. The Presidential Decision was published in the Official Gazette on August 31.
Natural and historical values to be protected
The peninsula on the southern shore of Van Lake offers visitors a distinctive nature experience with its turquoise coves, lake views and unique natural features.
The national park status aims to place the area’s historical and cultural values, along with its natural character, under a stronger protection framework. The area is expected to become one of the sites that can be used more effectively for cultural tourism.
Expert emphasizes sustainability
Prof. Dr. Vahap Yönten, a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University’s Faculty of Engineering, said he considered the peninsula’s designation as a national park valuable.
Highlighting the importance of sustainability in environmental policies, Yönten said joint decision-making by local residents, nongovernmental organizations, public institutions, academics, politicians and bureaucrats was important for protecting the area.
Yönten said the national park decision would ensure better protection for the region’s vegetation, trees, water resources and historical remains. He noted that the national park status would contribute to protecting the area’s flora, fauna, historical values and settlements, while visits would take place within a legal framework.
Residents welcome the decision
Faysal Akbaş, headman of Altınsaç neighborhood, said they welcomed the designation of the Deveboynu Peninsula as a national park.
Akbaş said they believed the region’s historical and natural beauty would be better protected. He said the peninsula was visited by many domestic and foreign tourists, who came to the area for picnics and parachute sports, and expressed hope that the national park status would lead to better services.
