Book: Wildflowers of Turkey Volume I – Bulbous Plants
Dear guests,
Welcome to Runner Tourism, a professional tour operating company based in Antalya, Turkey. As the owner of this esteemed establishment, I, Yasemin Konuralp, have dedicated my life to exploring the natural beauty of this land, from hiking and trekking to photography and tour leading. With over three decades of experience in the travel business, I have cultivated a deep passion for the endemic wildflowers of Anatolia, which has driven me to publish my first field guide book in April 2013: “Wildflowers of Turkey Volume I – Bulbous Plants” (Click here for a copy!)
My book is not just a guide for travelers, but an urgent call to protect the native plant species of Turkey, especially those that are endemic. The country boasts an incredible diversity of flora, with a total of 11,466 species, of which 3,649 are endemic. However, this natural wealth is under threat from bulb hunters, who have been scouring the hills and mountainsides of Anatolia for centuries. At the height of the bulb trade, over 71 million bulbs were exported in a single year, including 11 million Winter Aconites, 10 million Grecian Wind-flowers, and a staggering 30 million Snowdrops.
As a result of this rampant collecting, many endemic species have already been lost, and others remain endangered. But there is hope: through the efforts of botanists and naturalists, we have been able to preserve some of the most endangered species, such as the Galanthus elwesii, which was on the brink of extinction. By encouraging people to grow these bulbs in their gardens rather than collecting them from the wild, we have been able to re-establish colonies of these plants in their natural habitats.
If you are interested in experiencing the natural beauty of Turkey and its endemic wildflowers, I would be honored to serve as your field guide on a customized botanical tour. Our tours are not only focused on flora, but also encompass the rich archaeological sites of Turkey, offering a truly comprehensive travel experience. Please feel free to contact me for a detailed itinerary and to plan your next vacation to this incredible country.
Thank you for considering Runner Tourism for your next travel adventure.
Yours sincerely,
Yasemin Konuralp
