Karaca Arboretum: A Living Tree Museum in Yalova, Türkiye

Have you ever walked through a garden and wondered where a particular tree came from, how long it has been growing there, or how many others of its kind exist in Türkiye? At Karaca Arboretum in Yalova, questions like these become part of the experience. As you notice the shape of a leaf, the texture of a trunk or the way branches reach towards the sky, you begin to realise that you are not simply walking through a green space. You are exploring a living collection of plants from different parts of the world.

Located along the Yalova–Termal road, in the Samanlı area, Karaca Arboretum is recognised as Türkiye’s first private arboretum. Covering approximately 13.5 hectares, the collection was established by Hayrettin Karaca, one of Türkiye’s pioneering figures in nature conservation. Widely known as “Toprak Dede”, or “Grandfather Soil”, Karaca set out to create a place where plant species could be studied, protected and introduced to future generations.

From a Fruit Garden to a Living Tree Museum

The story of Karaca Arboretum did not begin as a large botanical project overnight. According to information published by Yalova Municipality, its roots can be traced to a family fruit garden dating back to 1948. From the 1980s onwards, plants from different parts of the world were added under Hayrettin Karaca’s vision, gradually transforming the site into an arboretum of scientific and educational value.

But what exactly is an arboretum?

An arboretum is a living collection of trees and woody plants assembled for scientific research, education and conservation. While conventional parks are often designed primarily for recreation and landscaping, arboretums also focus on identifying species, studying their characteristics and preserving plant diversity.

This is one of the features that makes Karaca Arboretum special. Here, plants are not simply part of the scenery. Each belongs to a much wider botanical story.

Plants from Different Parts of the World

Karaca Arboretum contains a diverse collection of plant species, subspecies, varieties and cultivated forms. Sources describe the collection as comprising approximately 7,000 different plant groups. This does not mean that every individual entry represents a separate species; the collection also includes subspecies and different cultivated forms.

Examples include plants from the genera Acer, which includes maples; Magnolia, which includes magnolias; Quercus, which includes oaks; Pinus, which includes pines; and Prunus, which includes plants such as cherries and plums.

Bringing together plants from different geographical regions allows visitors to compare species that grow under similar climatic conditions or have adapted to different environments.

Some trees can be recognised by the shape of their leaves, others by the texture of their bark or the arrangement of their branches. You do not need to be a botanist to appreciate the collection. Simply taking a little more time to observe a plant can be a rewarding introduction to the diversity of the natural world.

More Than a Garden: A Place for Science and Conservation

The importance of Karaca Arboretum extends beyond the plants visitors can see. Its work is associated with developing botanical collections, supporting education, sharing horticultural knowledge and exchanging seeds and plants with other botanical institutions.

These activities help explain why an arboretum should not be regarded merely as a beautiful garden. Documenting plant diversity, identifying species and helping them grow under suitable conditions are important parts of long-term conservation.

In June 2004, Karaca Arboretum also received an award from the International Dendrology Society. Dendrology is the scientific study of trees and other woody plants. The award represented an important international recognition of the arboretum’s collection and its contribution to the study of trees.

Which Season Is Best for a Visit?

Visiting Karaca Arboretum in different seasons offers different ways to experience the same collection.

In spring, fresh leaves, flowering species and the renewed growth of the garden take centre stage. During summer, the trees’ full canopies and shaded areas become more prominent. Autumn brings changes in leaf colour, making it an interesting time for visitors who want to compare different tree species. In winter, the branching structures of deciduous trees become easier to observe after their leaves have fallen.

However, flowering and colour-changing periods vary from one species to another. If you want to see a particular plant at its best, contacting the arboretum before your visit is the most reliable approach.

Visitor Information for Karaca Arboretum

Location: Samanlı area, along the Yalova–Termal road, Yalova, Türkiye.

Getting there: Public transport services towards Termal or Samanlı may provide access from Yalova city centre. Routes and timetables can change, so check current transport information before travelling.

Suggested visit duration: Allow approximately 1–1.5 hours, depending on the visiting arrangements and the time you wish to spend exploring the collection.

Opening hours: Published sources have provided differing visiting arrangements. Rather than relying on potentially outdated information, confirm the current opening days and hours directly with the arboretum.

Admission: In the past, visits have been described as taking place in connection with donations to TEMA Foundation or the relevant foundation. Check the current admission arrangements and any applicable donation amount before your visit.

During your visit, avoid damaging plants, picking branches or leaving designated paths. This is not simply a recreational garden; it is a living collection that has taken years to develop.

Seeing Nature Differently in Yalova

Karaca Arboretum offers a different experience for people who see nature as more than a pleasant view. Here, you may find yourself wondering where a tree originated, how it differs from other species and why its preservation matters.

The collection developed over many years by Hayrettin Karaca demonstrates how one person's curiosity and commitment to nature can become a lasting legacy. If your travels bring you to Yalova, visiting Karaca Arboretum is more than a walk among trees. It is a small but meaningful opportunity to discover the extraordinary diversity of the world's plant life.