Gediz Delta

The Gediz Delta is the river delta at the confluence of the Gediz River with the Gulf of İzmir, in İzmir Province in western Turkey. It is a 14,900 ha area of land that occupies coastal parts of Foça, Menemen, and Çiğli districts.^[2] It is one of the largest areas of coastal wetlands in Turkey and has a biodiversity of plants and birds.^[2] It is a Ramsar site since 1998 and an Important Bird Area since 2000.^[1][3] It is 26 km from İzmir city center.^[2]

Gediz Delta
The Gediz River Delta on a bright afternoon.
Location	İzmir Province, Turkey
Nearest city	İzmir
Coordinates	38°31′N 26°53′E
Area	14,900 ha (58 sq mi)
Governing body	Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Gediz Delta
Designated	15 April 1998
Reference no.	945[1]

Flora and fauna

The delta is home to more than 250 bird species and hosts approximately 80,000 birds in winter.^[2] It provides shelter for 10% of the world's flamingo population.^[4]

History

Remains of the former Ionian town of Leucae are located on the delta.^[2]

Economy

Çamaltı Salt Pan, which is located on the delta, provides one third of Turkey's salt production.^[2]