Eastern Türkiye’s Highlands Are Turning Into Eco Retreats With Yoga, Meditation & Nature Escapes

Eastern Türkiye is getting a quiet, nature-first makeover, and it’s not just about pretty views. A major green tourism initiative has officially launched in the provinces of Malatya, Elazığ, Bingöl and Tunceli turning Türkiye into an Eco Retreat and it’s got the World Bank’s full backing. This time, it’s not about big resorts or flashy developments. It’s about slowing down, living clean and building from the ground up. 

Türkiye’s Eastern Highlands Are Turning Green With A Eco Retreats

Backed by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, this eco-tourism project plans to create a sustainable travel scene with yoga, meditation, nature walks and “slow life” stays. 

Locals First, Nature Always In Türkiye Too

The focus is clear. This is not about attracting mass tourism. It’s about giving small and micro businesses a push, especially those led by women and youth. If a local woman wants to convert her abandoned family home into a tiny wellness lodge, she could now get a grant to do just that. In fact, eligible businesses can receive up to 2 million Turkish Liras (around $50,000), with up to 75% of their costs covered.

Priority will be given to projects that champion sustainable living, think boutique eco-hotels, bungalows, themed camping areas, stone houses, and underground lodgings. The region’s rural charm is not being hidden; it’s being celebrated. Old village houses that once stood empty are getting a second life, this time as cosy guesthouses. Travellers can check in, slow down and actually connect with nature. You’ll get to join simple, feel-good moments like harvesting lavender, joining a pottery class or just enjoying a slow morning with nothing but birdsong and clean air. No packed itineraries. No crowds. Just peaceful experiences that make you pause.

Adventure Is Also Part Of The Plan

Not everyone’s into meditating at dawn, and the project knows that. Now, if your idea of a holiday includes a bit more adrenaline, you’re covered too. The project’s got plans for eco-friendly adventure parks with zip lines, climbing walls and mountain bike trails. If you’re someone who’d rather be on the move, there’s something for you too. Paddleboarding, canoeing and windsurfing are all on the list, with nature kept front and centre. It’s fun without the footprint.

Whether you’re the unwind-and-read type or the jump-off-a-zipline kind, this place has both sides covered.

Green Goals, Local Growth

This isn’t just about tourism either. The programme will boost agriculture too. Think local jams, molasses, and natural supplements made from region-specific crops.And it’s not just about the experience. Locals are stepping into the spotlight too. Small-town entrepreneurs will now sell their homemade jams, molasses and herbal products online, reaching far beyond their villages.

Women-led cooperatives are getting the tools to create skincare, health snacks and natural remedies, all using local ingredients. From field to final product, every step stays true to the land.

Also Read:7 Surprising Facts About World’s Oldest Wheat That Originated In Turkiye

Why It Matters

This isn’t your usual tourism reboot. It’s a project with a purpose. It supports the environment, creates jobs for women and youth, and revives rural life without losing its essence. With the World Bank backing it and Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Ministry pushing it forward, eastern Türkiye is shaping up to be a wellness destination worth watching.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Hasan Akbas from Scopio