The International Malatya Photo Camp, which was initiated last year and drew a great deal of attention from professional and amateur photographers as well as nature-lovers, will be organized for the second time between June 2 and June 5. Organized by the Malatya Art of Photography and Cinema Association (MAFSAD) and coordinated by photographer Mustafa Ertekin, the second International Malatya Photo Camp is expected to welcome more than 2,000 participants to the four-day camp. The camp takes place in the Levent Valley of Malatya's Akçadağ district and the primary concern of the event is to introduce Malatya's historical and cultural values as well as tourist destinations to an international audience while attracting photographers from all over the world, increasing artistic interactions and strengthening Malatya's socio-cultural image.This year's photo camp is organized in memory of late photographer Fehmi Kolçak under the motto "Bring your tent even if it is torn apart." As a part of the International Malatya Photo Camp, several events are scheduled, including panel sessions, presentations, exhibitions and workshops centering on photography, nature walks and trekking, bicycle tours in the valley, various competitions, rock climbing, a model plane building workshop, hot-air balloon flights under the supervision of the Turkish Aeronautical Association, sightseeing in the district as well as the region and numerous artistic activities. Featuring a variety of events in its second year, the photo camp not only invites amateur and professional photographers but also campers, cyclists, nature-lovers, mountaineers, rock climbers, motorcyclists and trekkers.The organization will take place under the auspices of the Fırat Development Agency. Moreover, the second edition of the International Malatya Photo Camp is supported by the Malatya Governorate, Malatya Metropolitan Municipality, İnönü University, Malatya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Malatya Provincial Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports, Arapgir Municipality, Akçadağ Municipality, Battalgazi Municipality, Yeşilyurt Municipality, Darende District Head, Akçadağ Development and Social Solidarity Association (ANKA), Yazıhan Municipality, Levent Valley Development and Protection Association and Yazıhan Culture, Art and Education Association (YAZDER).For further information on the organization and events, visit the camp's official website: www.malatyafotokamp.org.ParticipantsThe second International Malatya Photo Camp will welcome prominent domestic and international figures from the photography world as well as mountaineers. Veteran photographer İbrahim Zaman, photographer, cook, documentary filmmaker and the host of the TV show "Wilco's Caravan," Wilko Van Herpen, Azerbaijani photographer Mirnaib Hasanoğlu and Turkish photographers Mustafa Ertekin, Mehmet Ömür, Ahu Erdoğan Akbaş, Gülser Günaydin, Fethi İzan, Gökhan Korkmazgil, Bülent Özgören, Sinan Kiliç, Ayşegül Çakir and many others. Moreover, world-renowned Turkish mountaineer Tunç Findik, national team mountaineers Doğan Palut and Zorbey Aktuyun and mountaineer İsmail Satilmiş will also participate.The Levent Valley

Located in Malatya's Akçadağ district, the Levent Valley is not only one of the most interesting places in Turkey but also in the entire world. The valley features rocks that date back 65 million years ago and other remains from the Neolithic Age. The valley is 28 kilometers long and is home to some of the most interesting geological formations, the highest cliffs in Turkey and numerous caves, each offering brand new adventures to nature lovers. The caves are mostly located in the villages of İnkaya, Kozalak, Taşköy, Bağköy, Kolköy and Küçükkürne. The rock reliefs in Bağköy bear the traces of the Romans. Following the tests conducted on fossils discovered in the valley, it was revealed that the region was once under the sea in the early phases of the earth's formation. In the winter, the Levent Valley embraces a different landscape that calms people due to the lack of visitors and is considered a perfect getaway. The valley assumes a totally different identity in the spring, however, welcoming the locals and tourists from Turkey and all over the world.

The valley has become a tourist attraction thanks to the observation terrace built by the Malatya Governorate. Located on a huge rock on the highest cliff in the valley, the observation terrace offers visitors a chance to witness a panoramic view of the valley and take incredible photographs. The Levent Valley also features routes that are suitable for hiking, trekking and biking. The municipality as well as the government of Malatya has worked hard to introduce the region to nature sports tourism in particular. Local government officials also said the Levent Valley might be added to UNESCOtarget="_blank"'>