The 5th Annual “Photo Safari and Nature Sports Festival” concluded in Çukurca, Hakkari with an exhilarating off-road demonstration and thrilling rafting events on its final day.
Organized by the Çukurca District Governorship and Municipality under the patronage of the Governor’s Office, the festival has continued its festivities with the support of the Ministries of Interior, Culture and Tourism, and Youth and Sports.
On the last day of the festival, held near the Iraqi border, off-road vehicles showcased their skills on the course set along Bayrak Tepe Road, while the Zap River hosted an exciting rafting event.
Participants enjoyed an archery session at the Çınaraltı area, and photographers captured the unique daily life, historic mills, castle houses, and cultural heritage of the region.
District Governor Mert Kumcu highlighted the colorful events that marked the festival’s final day. “We are currently by the banks of the Zap River, a place as significant as the Fırtına River in Rize or the Manavgat in Antalya. We are determined to make this area a center for rafting. Our athletes continue their performances to promote the region. We believe the attendees enjoyed the festival. Thanks to the Pençe-Kilit Operations, Çukurca, our region, and our country have achieved peace. We are doing our best to promote the district. Çukurca is a natural wonder – a destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. We have organized significant events, and I thank everyone who contributed.”
Kumcu also praised the volunteers for their dedicated work throughout the festival. “Due to accommodation issues, local residents hosted out-of-town guests in their homes, fostering cultural integration and providing economic benefits. We are committed to promoting Çukurca and its peaceful environment,” he added.
Rafting athlete Ramazan İlhan expressed the festival’s enjoyment and the need for more such events. “The Zap River has one of the world’s best rafting courses. It’s no different from other places. Visitors see the beauty of the region and the friendliness of its people. We invite everyone here. Rafting on the Zap is exciting with its excellent water flow and current,” he remarked.