Karaca Arboretum, Türkiye’s first private arboretum, was established in 1980 in Yalova by Hayrettin Karaca. Spanning approximately 135,000 square meters, this botanical center is home to over 7,000 plant species, subspecies, varieties, and cultivars.
Collections and Plant Diversity
Karaca Arboretum hosts a rich collection of nearly 7,000 taxa, including species, subspecies, varieties, and cultivars. The plant groups represented include trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, bulbous, and rhizomatous species. Particularly prominent genera include:
- Acer (Maple)
- Quercus (Oak)
- Betula (Birch)
- Pinus (Pine)
- Picea (Spruce)
- Prunus (Cherry-Plum)
- Malus (Apple)
- Magnolia (Magnolia)
- Abies (Fir)
In addition to its woody plant collections, the arboretum features three rock gardens, iris and rose gardens, a bonsai collection, ornamental plants, medicinal and aromatic plants, and endemic species sections.
Karaca Arboretum Canlı Ağaç Müzesi (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Educational Activities
The arboretum supports botanical research, internship programs for university students, plant identification and public awareness activities, seminars, and workshops. It also engages in seed exchange programs with other botanical gardens to enrich its collection. The Karaca Arboretum Nursery, operating within the arboretum, supports both plant production and sustainable financial management.
International Recognition and Awards
In 2004, the International Dendrology Society honored Karaca Arboretum for its contributions to the field of dendrology. This recognition made it the 15th arboretum in the world to receive such a distinction. The award was presented to Mr. Hayrettin Karaca on June 27, 2004.
Visitor Information
The arboretum is located along the Yalova–Termal highway, within the boundaries of Samanlı Village, approximately 5 kilometers from the city center of Yalova. It is open to the public on Sundays between 13:00–18:00 and is closed on Mondays. During weekdays, school groups and guided tours can visit by reservation.
