ISTANBUL, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Trkiye is set to launch a new tourism route in its northwestern Thrace region, featuring ancient dolmens and menhirs -- stone tombs and megalithic monuments dating back up to 3,500 years.

Selcuk Eracun, chairman of the Istanbul Tourist Guides Chamber, said approximately 100 such ancient monuments are located across an area stretching from Edirne, near the Greek border, to Kirklareli, which borders Bulgaria.

In a recent statement published on the Turkish presidential office's website, Eracun emphasized that establishing a dedicated tourism route around these sites could significantly boost regional tourism. He noted that the route's final details will be determined following archaeological assessments.

Dolmens -- large, table-like stone tombs -- and menhirs -- tall, upright stones -- reflect the rich funerary traditions of Thrace's early communities. The region's archaeological heritage also includes Ottoman-era gravestones with inscriptions in Ottoman Turkish and distinctive headgear motifs. A 2020 study by Trakya University traces this tradition back to Central Asia.

Irfan Karsli, head of Ligarba Tourism Agency, emphasized the potential of this route to become a premier hub of prehistoric heritage, adding that combining tourism, preservation, and research will be key to unlocking its full potential. He expected the route would broaden Trkiye's tourism portfolio and attract a more diverse range of international visitors.