BINKILIÇ VILLAGE

Binkılıç was formerly known as Istranca. In 1960, its name was changed to Binkılıç by a law. According to accounts from elderly people who participated in the Gallipoli Campaign, there was a group of approximately 1,000 armed men who protected this region in Istranca at that time. Binkılıç is one of the few areas that enemy soldiers were unable to enter during the Balkan Wars.

Although Sefaalan, located 7 km from Binkılıç (in the Saray-Tekirdağ region), was captured, the enemy forces were unable to enter the village due to the resistance put up by the local men of Binkılıç.
Therefore, since Binkılıç was not given to the enemy, there is no day of liberation associated with it.

After the Russo-Turkish War of 1893 and the Balkan Wars, the Greek population of Binkılıç migrated to Greece, and they were replaced by people, mostly from Bulgaria, who were known as Pomaks and came from the Balkans. Today, approximately 70% of the village's population is made up of Pomaks. However, among this 70%, the percentage of people who still speak the Pomak language is around 30%.

To the east of Binkılıç lies the Karaman Stream and the village of Karacaköy; to the west, Sefaalan and Saray; and to the north, Beytepe, Karatepe, Mariakaya Hills, and the area of Çilingoz. Çilingoz, a natural wonder, is believed to have been a coastal village in ancient times. Approximately 1 kilometer north of Binkılıç, there is a small hill known as "Kale Hill." Recent excavations in this area have revealed the remains of a very old fortress.
The ruins of the castle are believed to date back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. However, there is no official information or source available regarding the castle's history or the people who lived there. The forest is home to animals such as wild boars, rabbits, foxes, and squirrels.

Parkour Information & Route.

Route: Çatalca – Binkılıç Circular Hiking Trail.
Walking distance: 12–13 kilometers.
Operating period: 5 hours.
Difficulty level: Middle.
Parkour structure: River crossings, green tunnels, and trails along the riverbank.

The course includes approximately 5-6 stream crossings of varying difficulty.

Breakfast & Shopping.

We will have breakfast at the village cafe.
You can purchase groceries, bakery items, and other necessities from the local village shops.

Preparation.

You will need hiking boots, trekking poles, and gaiters.
This activity is a nature sport, and it is very important to adhere to the dress code.

Detailed information regarding the weather conditions will be provided through a WhatsApp group that will be created one day before the event.

Lunch.

We will eat the food we brought with us for lunch.
Light snacks like sandwiches and nuts are recommended.

Event Registration.

After logging into the website, please click the "Participate in the Event" button.
Before the event, a WhatsApp group will be created, and information will be shared through that group.

Notes.

Our hike includes crossing a stream, so it is recommended to bring a spare pair of shoes.
At least 1.5 liters of water should be available.
There is a drinking water source located in the middle of the park.

Zeki Karaçavuşoğlu: 0532 638 33 18 (WhatsApp only)

Activity Difficulty Level:Middle.

Condition: Requires physical fitness.
Terrain: Significant elevation changes are present.
Trail: The route typically involves walking through natural terrain, often within a forest. You may encounter bushes and dense vegetation.
Distance: Varies between 10 and 20 kilometers.
Who can participate: Individuals who have previous hiking experience and have all the necessary hiking equipment are welcome to participate.