Quillworts or Çim Eǧreltisi, species of the genus Isoetes L. in Turkey and the Levant, are poorly studied despite extensive floristic studies in the region. The Flora of Turkey lists 4 taxa: Isoetes olympica A.Braun (2n = 22), I. histrix Bory var. histrix (2n = 20), I. subinermis (Bory) Cesca & Peruzzi [=I. histrix Bory var. subinermis Durieu (2n = 22)] and I. duriei Bory (2n = ca. 121). An additional species, I. anatolica Prada & Rolleri, was described in 2005 from Bolu province, and we report the first count for this species, 2n = 22. In Syria and Lebanon 2 species are known: I. olympica from a site in Syria and a known but undescribed plant from Akkar province (Lebanon) and adjacent Syria (2n = 22, first count). A preliminary molecular phylogeny for these species is presented; their distribution and cytology are discussed. The taxonomy and nomenclature of the I. histrix and I. duriei groups need considerable further study. The first hybrids for the region are documented. © TÜBİTAK.