site.btaNew Park Opens on the Banks of the Maritsa River in Edirne

A new riverside park along the Maritsa River was opened to residents and visitors of the border city of Edirne on Tuesday.

The opening of the park, named Sogutluk National Garden, coincided with Environment Week, which is marked in Turkiye, local media reported.

The park spans more than 123 acres along the road from the city to the Karaağaç district and features green spaces and forest plantations. It was built by the Mass Housing Development Administration (TOKI).

More than 2,500 new trees have been planted in the area, along with thousands of tulips and roses adorning the walkways.

A 10-km cycle path has been constructed, 5 km of which run through the forest and alongside the Maritsa River. Stepped seating zones have been installed in the forest to mitigate flood risks along the riverbank. The park also includes sports fields, children’s playgrounds, picnic and seating areas, social facilities, cafés, vegetable stalls, and a parking area. It is also equipped with a library.

Some 50 staff will be on duty in the area. The park will be monitored by nearly 200 security cameras.

Construction began in 2023, but the project was paused for revision before being implemented.

When the Maritsa River is at full capacity, visitors can take gondola rides — a traditional tourist attraction in Edirne.