Black Stork Canyon

Located on the banks of the Euphrates River, the canyon's natural wonder of caves and rocky areas provides a habitat for some of the migratory Black Storks, whose global population is estimated at 10-15 thousand pairs, during the summer months. The canyon takes its name from the Black Storks that nest in this natural area. Starting 2 km north of Kumlutarla village, the canyon extends for approximately 3 km along the Euphrates River. This area, which rose due to tectonic movements, was formed by the deep erosion of the Euphrates River, also influenced by the subsidence of the Malatya basin. The rapid tectonic uplift and deep erosion by the river, combined with the suitability of the dominant rock and strata structure in the region, resulted in the formation of a canyon with steep slopes. The cave systems formed on the steep slopes of the Black Stork Canyon are mostly natural cave formations due to the easy erosion of the rock and strata structure here. However, it is observed that these cave formations were heavily used by humans throughout history. The rock cut staircase systems leading down from these cave settlements to the Euphrates Valley are indicative of this settlement.