Ulukaya Falls

Ulukaya Waterfall is a waterfall located within the boundaries of Ulukaya Village in the district of Ulus, Bartın, notable for its natural formation. Waterfall arises from a rock cavity near the Drahna Canyon, where water cascades approximately 25 metres downward. At the point of fall, a “work cauldron” 1–1.5 metres deep and a lake 30–40 metres wide are formed. The canyon is approximately 1 kilometre in length and 65–70 metres in height.

Ulukaya Waterfall (Ulus District Governorship, Republic of Türkiye )

Formation and Geographical Features

The waterfall was formed by natural underground water emerging from a rock cavity and falling approximately 25 metres. During this descent, water has eroded the rock surface over time, creating a “giant cauldron.” The area where the water falls has developed into a pool approximately 1–1.5 metres deep and 30–40 metres wide.

The Drahna Canyon, within which the waterfall is situated, is approximately 1 kilometre long and 65–70 metres high. The canyon walls are steep and rocky, shaped over centuries by the continuous flow of water and erosion, resulting in their current form. The water source feeding the waterfall also contributes partially to the drinking water needs of the Ulus district centre. Region is notable for its rich water resources, steep canyon topography, and diverse rock formations. This geographical building has endowed the region with unique hydrological and geomorphological quality.

Ecosystem

Ulukaya Waterfall and the surrounding Drahna Canyon stand out as a rich natural habitat. In this area, local flora and fauna coexist harmoniously with the preserved natural environment, including species such as the fire salamander, water snake, trout, and chub like. The area, due to its ecological and geomorphological values, was declared a “Natural Site Area” by the Ankara Council for the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage, under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, by Decision No. 6015 dated 13 April 1998.

Ulukaya Waterfall (Ulus District Governorship, Republic of Türkiye )

Mythological Narrative and Cultural Significance

Ulukaya Waterfall attracts attention not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural and mythological narrative. According to the legend associated with this natural wonder, a handsome and strong young man from Selamnos fell in love with a beautiful woman named Hera, whose beauty was the talk of the land. As Selamnos became increasingly despondent and weakened by his unrequited love, he suffered profound anguish. Overcome by despair, the young man resolved to end his life by leaping from the summit of Ulukaya.

However, the goddess of love, Eros, could not remain indifferent to this tragedy. Instead of allowing Selamnos’s lifeless body to touch the ground, she transformed him into water, creating the waterfall. According to the tradition, the deep emotional collapse experienced by Selamnos became embedded in the spirit of the water. Therefore, anyone who drinks from, washes their face in, or dampens a handkerchief with the water of Ulukaya Waterfall is said to be purified of their heartache of love.

Social Function and Contemporary Use

Ulukaya Waterfall is significant not only as a natural tourist site but also as a functional water source for the regional community. A portion of the water flowing from the waterfall is used to meet the drinking water needs of the Ulus district centre to meet. The natural landscape it offers, the mysterious ambiance created by its mythological narrative, and the purifying properties of its water have made Ulukaya Waterfall an attractive destination for both ecotourism and culture tourism. Ulukaya Waterfall, a point of interest for both local and foreign visitors, continues to exist as one of the natural areas of the Black Sea region through its mystical narrative and preserved natural environment West.