Protecting Rare White Sand Lilies at the Ruins of Alexandria Troas in Turkey

In the picturesque coastal town of Dalyan, located in Turkey's northwestern province of Çanakkale, a remarkable conservation effort is underway. The villagers have taken significant steps to safeguard the endemic sand lilies, a fragile yet beautiful plant species, by fencing off certain areas and installing informative boards.

The sand lilies, belonging to the genus Pancratium, are indigenous to the Mediterranean region, including Turkey. These plants are often found in protected areas due to the threats posed by urban development and tourism.

Alexandria Troas, an ancient city with significant historical remains and a sensitive coastal ecosystem, is one such location where these unique plants thrive. The protection of such sites, which combine historical importance with natural beauty, is of utmost importance.

The conservation of these plants is a collective endeavour in Turkey, driven by local initiatives, universities such as Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi, and NGOs like the Naturfreunde Türkei, Doga Derneği, or TEMA Stiftung.

Despite the efforts, the name of a specific conservationist dedicated to the protection of sand lilies in Alexandria Troas remains unknown in the available English and German literature. This could be due to the local, less internationally recognised nature of these activists, or the lack of specific projects targeting sand lilies in this region.

If you are interested in supporting this cause, reaching out to Turkish environmental organisations, local universities in Çanakkale, or local authorities could provide valuable insights. Often, it is local biologists, professors, or engaged citizens who champion the protection of rare flora.

The sand lilies, with their sweet fragrance, add a delicate layer of natural beauty to Turkey's ancient coastal landscapes. However, their numbers are dwindling due to the loss of their coastal habitats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed sand lilies for protection, recognising their ecological importance and potential value in the future due to climate change and water scarcity pressures on agriculture.

These plants typically bloom in late summer, peaking in August and September but sometimes lasting into October. Environmental regulations in Turkey impose a fine of ₺557,212 (approximately $18,000) on anyone caught uprooting or collecting sand lilies.

Professor Onur Sinan Turkmen, a faculty member at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University and the president of the local Chamber of Agricultural Engineers, and Professor Erhan Oztepe, the head of excavations at Alexandria Troas, are among those who are actively engaged in preserving Turkey's rich heritage.

The coastline around Alexandria Troas is currently dotted with blooming white sand lilies, a sight that serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the fragile beauty of these unique plants.