Experienced Mountaineer Nurettin Özcan Died in an Accident in Hisarcık Valley, Kayseri

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The Swallow Valley , located in the Melikgazi district of Kayseri, has been a popular destination for mountain climbers, climbers, and nature lovers for years. However, a tragic accident on September 21, 2025, deeply saddened the nature sports community. Experienced mountain climber Nurettin Özcan , 47, lost his life after falling from a cliff while climbing with friends.

According to reports, Nurettin Özcan, who came to Kırlangıç ​​Valley with a group of four mountaineers for a sportive climb, lost his balance and fell from the cliffs. His friends noticed the situation and immediately reported the incident to the 112 Emergency Call Center .

AFAD, UMKE, the Gendarmerie Search and Rescue Team (JAK), police, and medical teams were dispatched to the area. However, upon examination, it was determined that Özcan had died at the scene.

As an investigation into the accident is launched, the outdoor sports community grieves the loss of a beloved mountain climber.

It's known that Nurettin Özcan dedicated significant effort to the development of Hisarcık Valley - Traditional Climbing Area for many years. His fellow athletes shared posts on social media, highlighting Özcan's love of nature, his discipline, and the values ​​he brought to the sport.

His funeral will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Kayseri Hulusi Akar Mosque , after the afternoon prayer, and he will be buried in the Kayseri City Cemetery .

We offer our condolences to his family, all his loved ones and the nature sports community.

Located in the Melikgazi district of Kayseri, at the foot of Mount Erciyes , Kırlangıç ​​Valley is known as one of Turkey's leading climbing areas. The valley boasts routes suitable for both recreational and traditional rock climbing . Its natural beauty, steep cliffs, and trails of varying difficulty welcome numerous local and international athletes throughout the year.

However, the challenging nature of the region once again highlights the importance of security measures and professional preparation.

It's a well-known fact that mountaineering carries inherent risks. To avoid similar tragic events, here are some important points athletes should keep in mind:

• Equipment Check: Helmet, rope, safety belt and carabiners must be checked before climbing.
• Weather: Rapidly changing weather conditions can pose a significant risk, especially in mountainous areas. Therefore, it's important to follow weather forecasts.
• Teamwork: Climbing should always be done in a group; risky routes should not be attempted alone.
• Experience and Training: Particularly challenging routes should only be undertaken by experienced athletes and accompanied by trained individuals.
• First Aid and Emergency Plan: First aid supplies should be available for possible accidents and a plan should be made to reach the nearest medical team.

This tragic incident in Kayseri demonstrated once again that mountaineering offers both the freedom of being surrounded by nature and the serious risks it poses. Devoted figures like Nurettin Özcan will continue to be remembered for their love of nature.

It is crucial for everyone who loves outdoor sports to be more conscious and cautious in their activities on these beautiful routes, keeping safety at the forefront.

Remember: Personal safety and environmental protection are your responsibility in all outdoor activities. Always be kind to nature, don't leave trash behind, and comply with current laws.

For detailed safety information, visit our Safety and Responsibility Guide page. For more information on camping and caravanning, you can also check out our Camping Guide page. We wish you enjoyable and safe outdoor adventures!