# Halil Uzel Turkish coastline expedition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/halil-uzel-turkish-coastline-expedition
> Updated: 2026-09-12T16:52:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Halil Uzel, a 57-year-old retired technician and nature sports instructor, is undertaking an extensive journey to traverse the Turkish coastline and internal waters. 

In late August, Uzel reached Bodrum after an 83-day kayaking trip from Istanbul's Poyrazköy. His mission includes social initiatives such as the ‘Vefa Rotası’ (Loyalty Route) and the ‘Kıyılar Halkındır’ (Coasts Belong to the People) project to raise awareness regarding coastal access. 

By mid-September, Uzel reached Datça after 100 days of travel, averaging 30 kilometers per day. His long-term goal is to complete a route of approximately 10,000 kilometers, which would involve crossing various lakes, including Lake Van. He intends to use the expedition to observe the state of Turkey’s coastlines and maritime culture. The current leg of the journey is expected to reach the Yayladağı district of Hatay by late 2026.

## Claims

- Halil Uzel began a journey to cross Turkey by canoe. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The journey started in Istanbul on June 4. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Uzel reached Datça on the 100th day of his journey. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Uzel travels an average of 30 kilometers per day. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The current journey is expected to end in Yayladağı, Hatay, in late November or December. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The total planned route aims to cover approximately 10,000 kilometers, including lakes. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Uzel intends to observe the condition of Turkey's coastlines during his trip. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Halil Uzel reaches Datça after 100-day canoe journey from Istanbul

Retired air force officer Halil Uzel reached Datça after 100 days of canoeing from Istanbul, aiming to complete a 10,000-kilometer journey across Turkey’s coasts and lakes.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/halil-uzel-reaches-data-after-100-day-canoe-journey-from-istanbul

### 2026-08-26: Halil Uzel reaches Bodrum after 83-day kayak journey

Retired technician Halil Uzel reached Bodrum after an 83-day kayak journey from Istanbul, part of a 3-year mission to traverse Turkey's entire 8,333km coastline.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/halil-uzel-reaches-bodrum-after-83-day-kayaking-journey-from-istanbul

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Cite as: Halil Uzel Turkish coastline expedition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/halil-uzel-turkish-coastline-expedition