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Sea, Forest & Wetlands on İzmir Bay

İnciraltı Urban Forest İzmir – Complete Visitor Guide

Walk and cycle beside İzmir Bay,
where coastal forest, wetlands and open sea meet on the edge of Balçova.

Discover İnciraltı Urban Forest

İnciraltı Urban Forest – Where İzmir Meets the Sea

On the southern shore of İzmir Bay, the dense city suddenly opens into a broad landscape of trees, walking paths, bicycle routes, wetlands and coastal views.

This is İnciraltı Urban Forest — İnciraltı Kent Ormanı.

Located in the Balçova district of İzmir, the forest occupies approximately 620,000–622,000 m² and is recognized as İzmir's first urban forest.

Its position around Yenikale Cape creates something unusual for a major metropolitan area:

a place where you can walk beneath trees, cycle beside the sea, watch birds around protected wetland habitat and look across one of Türkiye's largest coastal cities.

The landscape is not simply decorative.

The neighboring Çakalburnu Lagoon and wetland environment give the area ecological importance, while thousands of trees contribute to one of the city's significant green corridors.

For travelers, İnciraltı offers a completely different perspective on İzmir.

It is less about monuments and museums and more about experiencing how sea, city, forest and wetland can exist side by side.

620,000+ m²

A vast coastal green area forming one of İzmir's major urban recreation spaces.

İzmir's First Urban Forest

Created as a major green landscape where the metropolitan city meets İzmir Bay.

Walking & Cycling

Dedicated routes allow visitors to explore the shoreline and forest at a relaxed pace.

Coastal Wetland

A protected wetland environment provides habitat and nesting areas for birds.

Know Before You Go

İnciraltı Urban Forest – Quick Facts

Essential information for exploring one of İzmir's most distinctive combinations of coastal landscape, urban forest and wetland habitat.

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Location

İnciraltı, Balçova District, İzmir, Türkiye.

Open on Google Maps
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Urban Forest Area

Approximately 620,000–622,000 m² of open coastal green space.

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Setting

Located beside İzmir Bay around the coastal landscape of Yenikale Cape.

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Main Activities

Walking, cycling, picnicking, photography, relaxation and coastal nature observation.

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Wetland Habitat

A protected wetland area provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds.

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Best For

Relaxed walks, bicycle rides, families, sunset atmosphere and escaping the dense city.

A Different Side of İzmir

Why Visit İnciraltı Urban Forest?

Few places illustrate İzmir's relationship with the sea as naturally as İnciraltı.

İzmir is usually experienced through its waterfront promenades, historic neighborhoods, ancient sites and lively commercial streets.

İnciraltı changes the rhythm completely.

Here, the skyline becomes more distant.

Trees replace buildings.

Walking and cycling routes follow the coastal landscape.

Wetlands appear beside open water.

Fishing boats and shoreline views introduce another layer to the scenery.

And despite remaining within metropolitan İzmir, the atmosphere can feel surprisingly removed from the city.

That contrast is the real reason to visit.

İnciraltı is not a conventional sightseeing attraction.

It is a place for slowing down and experiencing İzmir outdoors.

From Damaged Coastline to Urban Forest

The Transformation of İnciraltı

The landscape visitors experience today is the result of an important environmental transformation.

According to İzmir Metropolitan Municipality sustainability information, the coastal area was used for rubble disposal until 1999.

It was hardly the green recreational landscape seen today.

Between approximately 2004 and 2006, extensive planting and landscape works transformed the site into an urban forest and public recreation area.

Thousands of trees were introduced and the shoreline became increasingly integrated with walking, cycling and recreational spaces.

Today, close to 20,000 trees are reported within the wider forest landscape.

The result provides an excellent example of how degraded urban land can gradually become part of a city's ecological infrastructure.

Why this matters: İnciraltı is more than a landscaped park. Its transformation demonstrates İzmir's efforts to restore a damaged coastal environment and reconnect residents with the shoreline.
Blue & Green Together

Where Forest Meets İzmir Bay

The defining feature of İnciraltı Urban Forest is its relationship with the sea.

This is not an inland woodland.

The forest lies directly beside the southern edge of İzmir Bay.

As you move through the area, trees repeatedly open toward stretches of water.

The coastline appears between branches.

Paths approach the shore.

Fishing boats create small focal points in the landscape.

Across the bay, the metropolitan city remains visible.

That combination makes İnciraltı visually different from many other parks around İzmir.

You are simultaneously inside a green recreation area and beside one of Türkiye's most recognizable urban bays.

An Important Coastal Wetland

Çakalburnu Lagoon & Wetland Landscape

The western side of the İnciraltı landscape is closely connected with Çakalburnu Lagoon — Çakalburnu Dalyanı.

This coastal wetland adds ecological significance to an area that might otherwise be understood simply as an urban recreation park.

Municipal environmental information identifies Çakalburnu as one of the relatively limited surviving coastal lagoon environments of its type in Türkiye.

Wetland ecosystems occupy the transition between land and water.

They provide feeding, resting and breeding environments for wildlife while also contributing to the ecological complexity of the coastline.

Visitors should therefore view this part of İnciraltı differently from ordinary landscaped parkland.

It is a living habitat.

Wetland etiquette: observe wildlife quietly, remain on appropriate paths and never cross protective barriers surrounding sensitive habitat.
Life between Forest, Lagoon & Sea

Birdlife in İnciraltı Urban Forest

The protected wetland inside the wider İnciraltı landscape is recognized as a place where birds shelter and nest.

This creates one of the most interesting dimensions of the urban forest.

You do not need to be an experienced birdwatcher to appreciate it.

Simply slowing your pace near the wetland can reveal movement that is easy to miss while cycling or walking quickly.

Birds may appear along shallow water, around vegetation or moving between the lagoon and İzmir Bay.

Early morning is usually the most peaceful period for observing the landscape.

A small pair of binoculars can add considerably to the experience.

Nature photography: use longer focal lengths rather than approaching birds closely. The welfare of nesting and resting wildlife should always come before obtaining a photograph.
A Green Infrastructure for the City

Trees & Biodiversity

İnciraltı Urban Forest contains a substantial planted landscape developed over the past two decades.

Municipal sustainability information reports close to 20,000 trees across the area.

Both native and introduced plant species contribute to a varied habitat structure.

This vegetation provides far more than shade.

Trees and shrubs create shelter and feeding opportunities for insects, birds and other animals.

The green space also functions as a significant carbon-absorbing landscape within metropolitan İzmir.

Perhaps most importantly for visitors, the vegetation changes the physical experience of the shoreline.

A section of coast that could have remained exposed and heavily urbanized instead offers long stretches of green public space.

One of the Best Ways to Experience İnciraltı

Walking in İnciraltı Urban Forest

Walking is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to experience İnciraltı.

You do not need a strict itinerary.

Begin beneath the trees.

Follow the paths toward the waterfront.

Pause around the wetland.

Continue along the shoreline.

Stop whenever the view opens across İzmir Bay.

The terrain allows visitors to adapt the experience according to available time and energy.

A short stroll can work perfectly well.

But anyone who enjoys urban walking can continue farther through the wider İnciraltı coastal recreation area.

Walking tip: early morning and the final hours before sunset usually provide the most comfortable temperatures and most attractive light.
Explore the Coast on Two Wheels

Cycling in İnciraltı

İnciraltı has long been associated with İzmir's growing cycling culture.

Dedicated cycling infrastructure connects sections of the coastal landscape and allows riders to move through the forest without relying entirely on road traffic.

Municipal information describes the walking and cycling route beginning around Yenikale and continuing along the coastline into İnciraltı Urban Forest.

For visitors, cycling reveals the scale of the area much more effectively than remaining around a single picnic zone.

Within a relatively short ride you can experience wooded areas, shoreline, wetland environments and more open coastal scenery.

Relaxed Riding

The mostly recreational character of the area makes it particularly attractive for leisurely cycling.

Coastal Views

Sections of the route provide open perspectives across İzmir Bay.

Nature Stops

Pause near appropriate observation points rather than rushing through the wetland landscape.

Sunset Ride

Late-afternoon cycling can combine cooler temperatures with softer light over the bay.

A Place to Be Outdoors

Things to Do in İnciraltı Urban Forest

Walk beside the Sea

Explore forest paths and stretches of shoreline while enjoying views across İzmir Bay.

Ride a Bicycle

Use the cycling routes to experience a larger section of the forest and coastal recreation area.

Watch Birds

Observe the protected wetland environment quietly without disturbing wildlife.

Enjoy a Picnic

Use designated recreational areas for a relaxed outdoor meal while respecting current fire regulations.

Photograph the Bay

Capture trees, water, birds, fishermen and changing light across the Gulf of İzmir.

Watch the Sunset

Stay into the late afternoon as softer light transforms the coastline and distant cityscape.

Relax beneath the Trees

Picnicking in İnciraltı Urban Forest

Picnicking has traditionally been one of the most popular activities at İnciraltı.

The combination of shade, open space and sea air makes the area especially attractive for families and groups.

Natural stone, timber and landscaped seating areas have been incorporated into the recreation environment.

You can therefore spend considerably longer here than at a conventional sightseeing stop.

Bring food, sit beneath the trees and allow time simply to enjoy the surroundings.

Weekends can be considerably busier than weekday mornings, particularly during pleasant spring and autumn weather.

Important 2026 rule: İzmir Metropolitan Municipality announced that barbecues and open-fire cooking are prohibited in İnciraltı Urban Forest. Visitors should always follow current onsite regulations and municipal notices.
Forest, Water & an Urban Horizon

Photography in İnciraltı Urban Forest

İnciraltı offers a broad range of photographic subjects without depending on a single famous viewpoint.

Coastal Forest

Use trees and paths as foreground elements while allowing glimpses of İzmir Bay to appear beyond them.

Wetland Reflections

Calm conditions can produce subtle reflections and layered scenes around the lagoon environment.

Birdlife

A telephoto lens allows wildlife photography while maintaining a respectful distance from birds.

Fishing Boats

Small boats and the fishing harbour add human detail to the otherwise natural shoreline.

İzmir Skyline

Use the distant city across the bay to contrast urban İzmir with the forest environment.

Golden Hour

Low-angle light can transform the shoreline, trees and water during the final part of the day.

Stay for the Changing Light

Sunset at İnciraltı

Late afternoon is one of the most atmospheric periods in İnciraltı.

The sun lowers across the wider bay landscape.

The harsh brightness of midday begins to soften.

Trees create longer shadows.

The surface of the water changes color.

Fishing boats become silhouettes.

And the distant city lights gradually become more visible.

For photographers, cyclists and couples looking for a relaxed coastal walk, this is often the most rewarding part of the day.

Outdoor Time Close to Central İzmir

İnciraltı Urban Forest with Children

İnciraltı can be an excellent destination for families who want outdoor space without making a long journey outside İzmir.

Children can experience a landscape that combines forest, sea and wetland rather than a conventional city playground alone.

Short Walks

Choose manageable sections of the forest rather than trying to explore the entire coastal area.

Nature Observation

Encourage children to notice birds, trees, insects, water and changes in the coastal environment.

Bicycle Time

Suitable sections can provide an enjoyable environment for recreational family cycling.

Picnic

A simple picnic can turn the visit into an easy half-day family activity.

Family safety: young children should always be supervised around the shoreline, lagoon, cycling routes, roads and other waterside environments.
A Public Landscape Designed for Broad Use

Accessibility at İnciraltı Urban Forest

Some sections of İnciraltı Urban Forest are relatively accessible because the site is primarily a landscaped metropolitan recreation area rather than rugged wilderness.

Walking routes and developed public areas generally provide easier conditions than natural mountain trails.

An important feature of the forest is the İnciraltı Disabled Education, Culture and Art Center.

Official tourism information also identifies approximately 7,000 m² of surrounding space designed with seating and play elements intended for people with disabilities.

Nevertheless, conditions can vary between different parts of such a large outdoor area.

Accessibility planning: visitors requiring completely step-free access or specific mobility facilities should confirm current conditions for the exact section they intend to use, especially while improvement works are underway.
Every Season Creates a Different Atmosphere

Best Time to Visit İnciraltı Urban Forest

Spring

Excellent for greener vegetation, comfortable temperatures, walking, cycling and nature observation.

Summer

Visit during the morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest midday heat.

Autumn

Mild weather and softer light make this one of the most enjoyable periods for long coastal walks.

Winter

Quieter conditions can create a calm atmosphere, although wind and rain may affect the experience.

Weekdays

Usually preferable for visitors seeking quieter paths and less crowded recreation areas.

Late Afternoon

A particularly attractive time for photography, walking and enjoying the changing light over İzmir Bay.

Green Landscapes & Comfortable Temperatures

İnciraltı Urban Forest in Spring

Spring is one of the easiest seasons in which to appreciate İnciraltı.

The landscape feels greener.

Temperatures are generally comfortable for longer walks and bicycle rides.

Birdlife and wetland scenery add interest around the lagoon.

The combination of blue water and fresh vegetation also creates excellent conditions for photography.

Weekends can become lively as İzmir residents head outdoors.

For a more peaceful visit, choose a weekday morning whenever possible.

Choose Your Hours Carefully

İnciraltı Urban Forest in Summer

İzmir summers can be very hot.

Although the forest provides shaded sections and coastal air, extended midday walking can still become uncomfortable.

Early morning is excellent for exercise and quieter nature observation.

Late afternoon is preferable for cycling, photography and sunset.

Carry drinking water and use sun protection even when you expect to remain beneath trees.

Fire safety: open flames and barbecues are prohibited under the municipality's current regulations. Always follow onsite instructions and any additional seasonal wildfire measures.
From a Short Walk to Half a Day Outdoors

How Long Should You Spend at İnciraltı Urban Forest?

45–60 Minutes

Enough for a short waterfront walk, photographs and a brief experience of the forest.

1–2 Hours

A good choice for combining walking, coastal scenery and the wetland environment.

2–3 Hours

Ideal for a longer walk or bicycle ride with plenty of photography and relaxation stops.

Half Day

Combine the forest with a picnic, İnciraltı's waterfront and nearby attractions such as the Maritime Museum.

Our suggestion: allow around two hours for a first visit, or three to four hours if you want to combine walking, photography and another İnciraltı attraction.
Current Visitor Information

İnciraltı Urban Forest Renewal Project – 2026

Visitors traveling during 2026 should be aware that İzmir Metropolitan Municipality announced a significant renewal program for İnciraltı Urban Forest in July 2026.

The project is intended to improve visitor comfort while maintaining the natural character of the area.

Picnic Areas

Ground surfaces in selected recreational areas are being improved and renewed.

Seating

Older gazebos, benches and seating areas are scheduled for improvement or replacement.

Facilities

Plans include renewed fountains, children's play areas, toilets and additional visitor facilities.

Greenery

Additional planting and maintenance are intended to strengthen the existing green landscape and biodiversity.

Cleanliness

Waste facilities are being expanded and modernized to improve cleanliness across the forest.

Safety

Municipal controls and security measures have been increased as part of the wider renewal program.

Barbecues Prohibited under the rules announced during the 2026 renewal program.
Late-Night Entry The municipality announced that entry after 00:00 would not be permitted.
Renovation Works Facilities and individual sections may be temporarily affected while improvements continue.
Last visitor-rule update: 2026. Because municipal regulations and renovation works can change, check current local notices before making a special journey or planning a late-evening visit.
Plan Your Visit

İnciraltı Urban Forest Visitor Information

İnciraltı should be approached as a large coastal recreational landscape rather than an enclosed attraction with a single visitor route.

Different sections have different characteristics.

Some are heavily landscaped.

Others feel closer to natural shoreline and wetland.

Facilities, maintenance work and access arrangements may change over time.

Location İnciraltı, Balçova, İzmir
Urban Forest Area Approximately 620,000–622,000 m²
Wider Recreation Landscape Municipal descriptions place the broader İnciraltı recreational environment at approximately 2 million m² when surrounding landscape is included.
Main Activities Walking, cycling, picnicking, photography and nature observation
Landscape Urban forest, İzmir Bay coastline, wetlands and lagoon environment
Recommended Visit Approximately 1–3 hours
On the Southern Shore of İzmir Bay

How to Get to İnciraltı Urban Forest

İnciraltı Urban Forest is located in the Balçova district, west of central İzmir and close to the Üçkuyular–İnciraltı coastal area.

Its metropolitan location makes it much easier to reach than many nature destinations outside the city.

Travelers can approach the area by private vehicle, taxi or public transportation connecting with Balçova and the surrounding districts.

Cyclists may also incorporate İnciraltı into a longer journey along İzmir's coastal cycling network.

Because transport routes and service numbers can change, visitors relying on public transportation should check current ESHOT or İzmir transport information before departure.

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İnciraltı Urban Forest Map

Open the urban forest on Google Maps and calculate the most practical route from your İzmir accommodation.

View Location
Simple Preparation Makes the Visit Better

What to Bring to İnciraltı Urban Forest

Comfortable Shoes

Useful for exploring longer sections of walking paths and the waterfront.

Drinking Water

Essential during warm weather, particularly if walking or cycling for several hours.

Sun Protection

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat because coastal sections may be exposed to direct sun.

Binoculars

A lightweight pair can make wetland and bird observation considerably more rewarding.

Camera

The forest, coastline, lagoon, birds and sunset provide varied photographic opportunities.

Light Layer

Coastal wind can make evenings cooler than expected, particularly outside midsummer.

Protect İzmir's Coastal Green Space

Responsible Visiting at İnciraltı

Take Your Waste

Use available waste facilities and never leave picnic packaging or plastic behind.

Protect the Wetland

Stay outside protected areas and avoid disturbing birds or other wildlife.

No Open Fires

Respect the current prohibition on barbecues and any additional seasonal fire restrictions.

Share the Paths

Walkers and cyclists should remain aware of one another on recreational routes.

Keep Noise Low

Quieter behavior improves the environment for wildlife and other visitors.

Protect the Shoreline

Never throw rubbish, food or other materials into the bay or lagoon environment.

See İzmir from the Quiet Side of the Bay

İnciraltı for Slow Travelers

Leave the bicycle for a moment.

Find a place beneath the trees.

Look across the water.

The city is still there.

You can see its buildings across the bay.

Traffic continues somewhere behind you.

But here the strongest sounds may be wind moving through branches, birds around the wetland and water meeting the shoreline.

That is what makes İnciraltı memorable.

You do not leave İzmir.

You simply experience the city differently.

A former damaged coastal landscape has become forest.

Wetland survives beside metropolitan development.

Residents walk, cycle and picnic only a short distance from one of Türkiye's largest urban centers.

İnciraltı reminds visitors that understanding İzmir means experiencing not only its history and architecture —

but also its relationship with the Gulf, the coastline and the natural environment surrounding it.

A Relaxed Coastal Escape

Suggested İnciraltı Urban Forest Visit

Late Afternoon Arrive while there is still plenty of daylight and temperatures are beginning to soften.
First Walk Explore the wooded recreation area and continue gradually toward the coastline.
Wetland Pause near appropriate viewing areas around the protected wetland and look for birdlife.
Coastal Route Continue walking or cycling beside İzmir Bay and enjoy the changing views across the water.
Golden Hour Find a quiet shoreline position as the afternoon light becomes softer.
Afterwards Continue into İnciraltı or Balçova for dinner, particularly if you would like seafood or traditional Aegean dishes.
Continue Exploring Balçova & İzmir

Places to Combine with İnciraltı Urban Forest

İnciraltı Naval Museum

Explore retired Turkish naval vessels, including a frigate and submarine, only a short distance from the forest.

Balçova

Discover İzmir's western district known for thermal springs, green landscapes, shopping and views over the Gulf.

Balçova Cable Car

Ride into the hills above İzmir for panoramic perspectives over Balçova and the Gulf.

İzmir

Continue exploring Konak, Kemeraltı, ancient Smyrna, Alsancak and the city's famous waterfront neighborhoods.
Useful Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About İnciraltı Urban Forest

Where is İnciraltı Urban Forest?

İnciraltı Urban Forest is located in the Balçova district of İzmir, Türkiye, on the southern shore of İzmir Bay.

What is İnciraltı Urban Forest?

It is a large coastal urban forest and recreational landscape containing trees, walking and cycling routes, picnic areas, shoreline and protected wetland habitat.

How large is İnciraltı Urban Forest?

Official sources describe the urban forest itself as approximately 620,000–622,000 square meters.

Why do some sources say İnciraltı is 2 million square meters?

İzmir Metropolitan Municipality also describes a broader recreational landscape of approximately 2 million square meters when the surrounding İnciraltı lagoon and recreation environment are considered together.

Is İnciraltı İzmir's first urban forest?

Yes. Official İzmir tourism information identifies İnciraltı Kent Ormanı as İzmir's first urban forest.

Can you walk in İnciraltı Urban Forest?

Yes. Walking is one of the main activities, with recreational paths extending through the forest and along parts of the coastal landscape.

Can you cycle at İnciraltı?

Yes. Cycling paths are an important part of the area and connect the urban forest with the surrounding coastal recreation landscape.

Can you have a picnic in İnciraltı Urban Forest?

Yes. Picnicking is a traditional activity within designated recreational sections of the forest.

Can you barbecue at İnciraltı Urban Forest?

No under the rules announced by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality during the 2026 renewal program. Visitors should also follow any newer onsite regulations.

Are there birds at İnciraltı?

Yes. A protected wetland within the wider forest environment provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds.

What is Çakalburnu Lagoon?

Çakalburnu is an ecologically important coastal lagoon beside the wider İnciraltı landscape and forms an important part of the area's wetland environment.

Is İnciraltı good for birdwatching?

Yes, particularly for casual nature observation around the wetland landscape. Visitors should remain outside protected areas and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Is İnciraltı good for photography?

Yes. The combination of trees, İzmir Bay, wetlands, birds, fishing boats and distant urban views provides varied photographic subjects.

Is İnciraltı good for sunset?

Yes. Late-afternoon light over the coastal landscape can make İnciraltı particularly attractive for walking and photography.

Is İnciraltı Urban Forest suitable for children?

Yes. Its open recreational areas make it suitable for families, although children should be supervised around water, roads and cycling routes.

Is İnciraltı Urban Forest accessible?

Some landscaped sections are relatively accessible, and the forest contains facilities associated with the İnciraltı Disabled Education, Culture and Art Center. Specific accessibility requirements should still be checked before visiting.

What is the best season to visit İnciraltı?

Spring and autumn generally provide the most comfortable temperatures for walking and cycling, although the forest can be visited throughout the year.

Is İnciraltı good in summer?

Yes, particularly early in the morning and toward sunset. Midday temperatures in İzmir can become very high.

How long should you spend at İnciraltı Urban Forest?

One to two hours works well for a relaxed walk. Allow two to four hours if you want to cycle, picnic, photograph the area or combine the forest with nearby attractions.

Was İnciraltı always a forest?

No. Municipal sustainability information states that parts of the coastal landscape were used for rubble disposal until 1999 before extensive planting and landscaping transformed the area during the 2000s.

How many trees are in İnciraltı Urban Forest?

Recent municipal sustainability information reports close to 20,000 trees within the urban forest landscape.

Is İnciraltı Urban Forest being renovated?

Yes. İzmir Metropolitan Municipality announced a substantial renewal program in July 2026 covering landscaping, seating, picnic surfaces, play areas, sanitation, visitor facilities and safety improvements.

Can you enter İnciraltı Urban Forest late at night?

During the 2026 renewal program, the municipality announced that entry would not be permitted after midnight. Because operating rules can change, check current local information before planning a late-night visit.

What attractions are near İnciraltı Urban Forest?

Nearby attractions include the İnciraltı Naval Museum, Balçova, the Balçova Cable Car, thermal facilities and the wider İzmir waterfront.

Is İnciraltı Urban Forest worth visiting?

It is particularly rewarding for travelers who enjoy coastal walks, cycling, photography, birdlife and seeing a greener, quieter side of metropolitan İzmir.

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