Balıkdamı is one of Turkey's leading wetlands, located in the south of the Sivrihisar district of Eskişehir province, between the neighborhoods of Ahiler, Kurtşeyh, Ertuğrul, Göktepe, İlyaspaşa, Yenidoğan, and Buhara. Situated on the Sakarya River, this ecosystem is approximately 30 km from Sivrihisar, 125 km from Eskişehir, and 170 km from Ankara. Covering an area of approximately 1,470 hectares, Balıkdamı is 5 km wide and 20 km long, with a total surface area of about 30,000 decares.
Balıkdamı is composed of numerous small ponds, marshes, wet meadows, and extensive reed beds formed by the low-gradient meandering structure of the Sakarya River. The region represents a special ecosystem type defined as a floodplain meadow ecosystem, which is rare globally.
Balıkdamı Wetland Area (Anadolu Agency)
Ecological Features and Conservation Status
Balıkdamı was declared a second-degree natural protected area in 1980, a Wildlife Protection Area in 1994, and a Wildlife Development Area in 2005. It is also one of 48 nationally important wetlands in Turkey according to the Ramsar Convention criteria.
The area hosts rich biodiversity through its reed beds, marshes, open water surfaces, and surrounding steppe habitats. The reed and marsh areas are of critical importance as breeding, feeding, and sheltering grounds for waterbirds. The Sakarya River and open water surfaces support the hydrobiological balance of the area and ensure the continuity of the ecosystem.
Flora and Endemic Species
Balıkdamı’s steppe zones contain plant species with high conservation priority. These include the Gemici prickly thrift (Acantholimon gemicianum) and Bozkır prickly thrift (Acantholimon riyatguelii), which are found only in this region; the endangered scabious (Scabiosa hololeuca); the sensitive wild cress (Lepidium caespitosum); and the thyme species (Thymus leucostomus). These species hold significant ecological value for the plant diversity of the area.
Fauna
Birds
Balıkdamı is of great importance for migratory birds due to its location along the Western Palearctic bird migration routes. To date, 203 bird species have been recorded in the area. At least 70 of these are confirmed or probable breeders, and 144 species are classified as migratory. Heron species breed colonially in wooded areas. Particularly in the willow groves south of Ertuğrul neighborhood, species such as the black-crowned night heron, squacco heron, little egret, and cattle egret are known to nest.
Balıkdamı (Anadolu Agency)
Fish
Balıkdamı is one of the richest parts of the Sakarya River in terms of fish diversity. The area hosts 17 fish species, including economically and ecologically valuable species such as carp, freshwater chub, and catfish. Invasive species such as the gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) have also been identified. The richness in fish species contributes to the area being an attractive habitat for birds.
Other Animals
Studies conducted in Balıkdamı and its surroundings have identified 16 mammal species, 5 amphibian species, and 12 reptile species. Among these mammals, the Anatolian ground squirrel (Spermophilus xanthoprymnus) is classified as "Near Threatened (NT)" according to IUCN criteria. The area does not host any endemic reptile species.
Ecological Structure and Water Quality
The ecosystem of Balıkdamı mainly consists of reed beds and marsh areas. These zones offer important breeding and feeding grounds for birds and also provide highly suitable conditions in terms of water quality. Analyses indicate that the water quality is classified as Class I. Phosphorus and nitrogen levels indicate mesotrophic to hypertrophic characteristics, while chlorophyll-a levels at all stations are at oligotrophic levels.
Land Use
The main sources of livelihood for the local population are agriculture and livestock farming. Agriculture is the primary economic activity, with cereals (wheat, barley, rye) cultivated on 80% of the arable land. Sugar beets, chickpeas, and fodder crops are secondary products. Fruit growing is limited due to climatic conditions.
Economic and Social Activities
There is no commercial fishing or forestry activity in the area. Reed harvesting activities are also very limited. Only a few village residents cut reeds or rush grass to meet their own needs.
Conservation and Use
There are no forestry activities in the area, and reed cutting is carried out on a limited scale by the local population. Commercial fishing is not practiced; instead, amateur fishing is conducted for personal needs. In terms of tourism, there are no facilities. However, considering the ecotourism potential of the region, a bird-watching tower has been built. Historical sites such as the Phrygian Way and the ancient city of Pessinus are located near the area.
Balıkdamı (Eskişehir Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)
