Karaleylek Canyon
The canyon is located on the banks of the Euphrates River, within the borders of Kumlutarla village in Elazığ's Baskil district. The natural wonder caves and rocky areas in the canyon host some of the "Black Storks" migratory birds, whose number is estimated to be 10-15 thousand pairs in the world, 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 rises due to tectonic movements, was formed due to deep erosion of the Euphrates River with the effect of the collapse of the Malatya basin. The rapid tectonic uplift in the area and the deep erosion of the river, and the suitability of the dominant rock and layer structure in the region, have enabled it to gain the feature of a canyon in the form of steep slopes. The cave systems formed on the steep slopes of Karaleylek Canyon are natural cave formations due to the easy erosion of the rock and layer structure there. However, it is seen that these cave formations have been used extensively by people throughout history. The stair systems carved into the rocks leading from these cave settlements to the Euphrates Valley are indicative of this settlement. The mouths of the caves in Karaleylek Canyon generally face the Euphrates River. The most important of these caves is Tepesidelik Cave. With the collapse of the middle section at the top of the cave, the entrance formed a natural bridge. There is also a fresh water source flowing from the ceiling inside the cave. Transportation to the canyon is provided by boats via the Euphrates River. Additionally, you can reach the upper ridge of this canyon by walking for approximately 15 - 20 minutes from Kumlutarla village, which is 45 km away from Baskil district center.
