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MOUNTAINEERING IN TURKEY |
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DAGCILIK |
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MOUNTAINEERING IN TURKEY |
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DAGCILIK |
A
glance at a topographical map of Turkey immediately reveals that this is a
country of mountains. Rising in all four directions, mountains encircle the
peninsula of Anatolia. A part of the Alpine-Himalayan mountain range, Turkey has
mountainous regions of different geological formations. The North Anatolian
range skirts the Mediterranean shore.
Turkey's magnificent mountains and forests are mostly undeveloped, existing as wonderful natural preserves for an extraordinary variety of wildlife, flora and fauna. Two of Turkey's most famous peaks are volcanoes, both inactive, Mt. Erciyes in Kayseri in Central Anatolia (3917 m) and Mt. Agri (Mt. Ararat 5137 m) in the East. Other well-known mountain ranges are the Rize-Kakar (3932 m) in the Eastern Black Sea region, Nigde-Aladag (3756 m) in the Central Taurus range, and the Cilo and Sat Mountains (4136 m) near Hakkari in the Eastern Taurus.
The mountainous nature of the country has influenced its cultural evolution. For centuries, nomads and semi-nomadic peoples have migrated annually to the fresh pastures of the higher elevations in the summer. These alpine meadows, called yayla, still represent a firm tie to traditional culture.
For climbers and those interested in mountain geography, Turkey offers a wealth of exploration. Glaciers, volcanoes, and peculiar geological formations such as kars prove irresistible to researchers and students of geology. The challenging terrain offers great opportunities for aficionados of outdoor sports who find interesting experiences on the mountains of Eastern, Central and Southern Turkey. A list of resources to aid an expedition, at whatever level, is to be found below.
Rising from the common borders of Turkey and Iran, Mt. Agri (Ararat), an inactive volcano capped year round with ice and snow, reaches 5137 meters. The Old Testament records that it was on this mountain that Noah's Ark came to rest after the great flood. Southwest of the mountain, the Little Mt. Adri (Ararat) reaches up to 3896 meters. The Serdarbulak lava plateau (2600 m) stretches out between the two pinnacles. Whatever your motivation for visiting this region and exploring the mountain range, climbing the spectacular Agri (Ararat) is a challenging and rewarding experience.
In the summer, the weather in the area and on Mt. Agri (Ararat) itself is sunny, warm and dry. However, in the winter and spring, cold and harsh conditions prevail, and mountain climbers occasionally face blizzards and turbulent weather. July, August and September are the months when most world mountain climbers come to the area and when the climb up Agri (Ararat) is most enjoyable. Despite the usual sunny and clear weather at that time of year, high altitude mountain weather prevails above 3000 meters. The Southern face of the mountain offers the easiest and safest ascent to the summit with the best routes and communication, transportation and safety considerations. It is not advised to climb Mt. Adri (Ararat) alone and without a guide.
The Trabzon-Erzurum-Teheran international transit highway, an excellent asphalt road, skirts the Western and Southern flanks of Agri (Ararat) before heading into Iran. Dogubayazit, 270 km from Erzurum, and nearby Igdir, the two closest towns to the mountain, are situated on this route. Daily planes, trains, and buses connect Erzurum with Ankara.
The Plan of Great Agri Mountain-Mt. Ararat
Couple pics from Agri Mountain-Mt.Ararat
The area surrounding Agri (Ararat) has retained its natural beauty and the local population still engages in the traditional lifestyle. During the summer months, whole villages move to the yayla, the summer pasture, to find fresh grazing for their herds of sheep, goats, cattle and horses. Women continue to weave carpets and kilims in time-honored designs; Ortulu village is particularly renowned as a center of beautiful handicrafts. Other nearby tourist attractions include the Ishakpasa Palace, a fabulous 18th century castle of a local potentate, and a meteor crater near the Iranian border.
The
Cilo-Sat Mountains, within the Southeastern Hakkari province, are the Eastern
extension of the Toros (Taurus) mountain chain, which stretches from West to
East along Turkey's Southern boundaries. This range of mountains in fact forms
the Westernmost section of the Himalayan mountain belt. At 4136 meters, the
Uludoruk (Resko) summit is the highest in the Cilo mountains; Catalkaya (Samdi),
which rises to 3794 meters, crowns the Sat mountains. Resembling the Alps in
both general appearance and glacier topography, the Cilo-Sat mountains are the
areas in Turkey most affected by glaciers. The high altitudes of the mountains
testify to the effects of glacial formation and water erosion. Of the ten
uniquely shaped glaciers, the largest, Izbirak, measures five kilometers in
length, 500-600 meters in width and reaches 100 meters in depth.
A wide arid expanse stretches across the Southern bases of the mountain range. The highlands, in contrast, receive plentiful precipitation during the winter months. In between crests and summits, green and fertile valleys dotted with rural settlements, enjoy a temperate climate that makes them ideal for vine and fruit agriculture.
Above the low valleys, alpine meadows blanket the mountain slopes at altitudes between 2000 and 3100 meters. Herds of domestic animals, which graze in these pastures, make up the primary economic activity of the region.
Arduous and elevated summits, high glaciers, glacial rivers and fast moving streams combine to make the Cilo-Sat mountains both a fascinating geographic and geological site of world-wide importance. The best time for summer excursions is during June, July, August and September. For winter climbing, February and March are the most suitable months.
To reach the Cilo-Sat mountains, travel to Van from Ankara by road, rail or air and then follow the 245-km long highway to Hakkari. Serpil village offers one route for an ascent of Uludoruk; another route Westside of Cilo, is Dezkoy.
The Plan of The Cilo-Sat Mountain
Couple pics from The Cilo-Sat Mountain
A vast yayla culture has evolved on the Cilo and Sat mountains, and the summer migration of the colorfully clad local population to the high grazing pastures is a wonderful sight. Mountain glaciers, swiftly running rivers brimming with fish and beautiful glacier lakes are a few of the area's natural wonders.
In the rainy and lush landscapes of Northeastern
Turkey, the Kackar
mountains form the Northern section of the Anatolian mountain chain. The Kackar-Kavron
summit, at an altitude of 3932 meters, is the highest point in the range.
Extensive glacier and water erosion have given these mountains their craggy,
rugged look, and they are known for the complexity and power of the streams and
rivers which rush down to the lower altitudes. In fact, this range is the third
most important glacial region in Turkey following the Agri (Ararat) and Cilo-Sat
mountains. The geological and mountaineering aspects of the Kackars contribute
to their importance in Turkey's economy and tourism.
The region enjoys an almost sub-tropical climate of temperate yet rainy weather with an average temperature of 14 C. The lowest temperature, 7C., falls in the month of January while August sees the hottest days reaching a maximum recorded temperature of 22.6 C.
The Kackars rise between the shores of the Black Sea to the North and the Coruh river valley to the South. On the Northern flank, an immense variety of vegetation flourishes in the rainy climate. Up to 500 meters above sea level, tea plantations and citrus orchards cover the hillsides. Chestnut, hornbeam, beech and other large-leafed trees forest the slopes to 750 meters. Between 750- 1500 meters of elevation, pines mix in with the large-leafed trees until gradually they remain the only species of tree from 1500-2000 meters. Alpine meadows and other grassy vegetation cover the ground above 2100 meters. On the Southern faces of the Kackars, which receive strong sunshine and less precipitation, the agriculture is based on the cultivation of fruit and vines. On the Northern side, in the higher elevations, meadows of wild flowers and grasses blanket the slopes up to elevations of 2300 meters.
The Altiparmak, Kavron and Varsamba mountains are the principal peaks of the Kackars. Both the North and South faces of the Altiparmak and Kavron can be scaled but Varsamba should only be attempted from the North face. It is imperative to use a local guide when climbing the Kackars.
The Plan of The Kackar Mountains in Rize
The Plan of The Kackar Mountains (Kavrun Group)
Couple pics from The Kackar Mountains
The
Toros (Taurus) Mountains are the Westernmost branches of the great mountain
chain that stretches across all of Asia - the Himalayan mountain belt. The
Turkish section of this massive mountain range follows the Southern border of
Anatolia and is itself made up of four major sections, the Western, Central,
Southern and South-eastern (Taurus) Toros ranges. The highest peaks rise out of
the Central and Southeastern branches, a stretch of mountains, which are rugged,
magnificent and arduous to climb.
Forming part of the Central (Taurus) Toros range, the Ala range runs from the Southwest to the Northeast for approximately 50 kilometers and boasts the region's highest peak, Demirkazik that stretches to 3756 meters. Other high summits include Kizilkaya in the center (3725 m), a peak that reaches 3688 meters in the South, and Mt. Vayvay in the East (3565 m). This long range, situated in the provinces of Nigde, Kayseri and Adana, rises between Lake Ecemis and the Zamanti river.
The geology of the area is responsible for the interesting rock formations and waterfalls. The erosion of limestone has created a fascinating karstic topography and hydrography, especially in the Yedigoller valley, where karstic underground rivers and caverns collect the surface water. Both the Mediterranean and Anatolian weather systems influence the climate of the Ala Mountains, bringing warm summers and cool winters to the area.
The best season to climb the mountains is during May, June, July and August when the alpine meadows of the higher elevations are rich in vegetation.
Researchers and mountaineers ascending the Ala Mountains usually begin their climb from either Camardi or Cukurbag village. Those attempting to climb the Demirkazik summit depart from Demirkazik village. Both of these villages lie 65 km from Nigde and can be reached by asphalt road.
The plan of The Taurus-Ala Mountains
Couple Pictures of The Taurus-Ala Mountains
The yaylas of the Toros (Taurus) Ala Mountains are the summer homes of entire villages and the summer grazing of herds of animals. Be sure to see the rounding up of all the animals for milking. Traditionally women of these encampments have produced some of Turkey's most beautiful carpets and kilims, and it is often possible to see a carpet still in progress.
One of Turkey's most important mountaineering and winter sports centers, Mount Erciyes rises from the South of the Kayseri valley. The Sultan Marshes lie to its West and to the South falls the Develi Valley. Its summit is always covered in snow and ice, Mt. Erciyes ranks as central Anatolia's tallest volcano.
Approximately 18 kilometers in diameter and covering an area of 1000 square kilometers, the mountain's stratification and geology make it a fascinating geographical formation. The region's climate, influenced by that of the Anatolian plateau, is considered typical of steppe geography. Certainly the winter brings considerable snowfall to the higher elevations. The northern side of the mountain enjoys a somewhat more temperate climate encouraging the cultivation of vast areas of vine and fruit orchards between 1100 and 1600 meters. Above that altitude, vast meadows stretch far into the distance. The higher elevations display typical alpine vegetation. Herds of animals graze year round on the East, North and West slopes of the mountain.
Mountaineers attempt Mt. Erciyes either on the Northwestern flank or from the South and find the best climbing in June, July, August, and September.
Couple Pictures of The Mount Erciyes
Tourists visiting the area should also see the fantastic rock formations, underground cities and fabulous frescoes in rock carved churches in neighboring Cappadocia. The Sultan Marshes, a habitat for many different species of birds, has fortunately been designated a national park and wildlife preserve.
Turkey
can in fact, boast of two peaks called Nemrut. The one near Adiyaman in the
Southeast is primarily of historical and archaeological interest, home for over
2000 years to the colossal stone heads of King Antiochos I and a number of
classical deities. The other Mt. Nemrut in Eastern Anatolia is well known for
its geological formations, and for mountaineering purposes; the more interesting
of the two peaks.
An extinct volcano, the Tatvan Mt. Nemrut ascends to 3050 m. It is located within the province of Bitlis, rising from the South-western shore of Lake Van and entering the district of Ahlat to the North. Mt. Nemrut is the Southernmost and youngest of the chain of volcanoes in Eastern Anatolia. A stereotype volcano, it began erupting during the fourth geological era and continued to be active until 1441 A.D. As a result of the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Nemrut the single Van-Mus river basin was divided into two separate basins.
Treks up Mt. Nemrut begin on the mountain's Southeastern flank at Tatvan. Climbers reach the South or Southeastern side of the crater after an easy hike of 4-5 hours. Those who reach this point have the rare chance to see the wondrous crater of this inactive volcano. For those who find the climb up the crater too strenuous, four-wheel drive vehicles can reach the summit from either Ahlat or Tatvan.
Mt. Nemrut is bare of vegetation except in the South, which has groves of oak and birch trees. Summer (June-September) is the best season for expeditions up Mt. Nemrut. Hikers who climb to the crater and summit from the Southeast or Eastern face of the mountain are rewarded with wonderful views of Lake Van.
Süphan Mountain, a magnificent dormant volcano rises from the Northwest shores of Lake Van.
Throughout the winter, snowfalls on Süphan reach a depth of three to four meters. The mountain's steeply inclined slopes and snow blanket combine to make it a good location for "Heli-skiing" - using helicopters to drop you off on the slopes for an adventure of high mountain skiing.
The easily accessible Southern and Eastern flanks of Süphan, both offering spectacular views, are the preferred faces for ascending the mountain.
To climb from the Eastern flank take the coast road that circles Lake Van. In the stretch between Adilcevaz and Ercis, turn North to Aydinlar village. From there you continue on to Kicgilli village where you can hire a guide to lead you in your ascent.
The climb from the South begins at the village of Harmantepe.
The Western branch of the Toros (Taurus) mountains, the Bey Mountain range, is located in the province of Antalya. The crest of the range parallels the North- South line of the Western shore of the Gulf of Antalya. With altitudes ranging between 600 and 3086 meters, these mountains offer geologists and geographers many peculiar morphological characteristics. Tekedorugu, Bakirlidag, Tahtalidag and Kizlarsivrisi summits are particularly remarkable.
The highest point in the mountains is Mt. Kizlarsivrisi (3086m), and climbers reach it through the cedar forested Camcukuru valley. The best approach to the valley is by road inland from Antalya to Elmali. Antalya, of course, can be reached from Izmir, Istanbul and Ankara by land, air and sea routes.
Tahtali mountain, West of Kemer, offers another interesting ascent. Rising to an elevation of 2360 meters, pine and deciduous forests cover the slopes up to an altitude of 2000-m. Bare meadow stretch to the summit.
The climb up Mt. Tahtali begins at Sogukpinar, a short drive from Kemer. From there a combination of walking and climbing brings you to a place to make camp. The final ascent is carried out on the flank facing the coast and offers a spectacular and ever-changing view.
Although it is possible to organize trips to the Bey Mountains all year round; April, May, and June offer both a temperate climate and a chance to experience the richest vegetation.
Continuing the line of summits in a Southeasterly direction, the Bolkar Mountains are bounded by the Goksu river to the West and the Pozanti river to the East. The Northern parts of the mountain lie in Nigde province while the Southern peaks rise in Mersin province.
These mountains exhibit interesting geological characteristics. Made of sedimentary material such as limestone and dolomites, the range reveals excellent examples of nappes, or folds in the layers of rocks. There are vast formations of karst as well as landscapes that reveal the effects of glacier and water erosion. Despite this erosion, no real water network has developed on the mountains. Because of the sedimentary nature of the rocks, water is absorbed creating large areas of karst, such as Pozanti and Sekerpinari.
The highest peaks of the Bolkar are: Medetsiz (3524 m), Kesifdagi (3475 m), Koyunasagi (3426 m), Tahtakaya (3372 m) and Egerkaya (3347 m).
The Northern flank receives the most exposure to snow and glacier formation; it is nevertheless the best route for an ascent to the highest summits of the Bolkar.
The Northeastern extension of the Central Toros (Taurus) range, the Mercan range, straddles both the Tunceli and Erzincan provinces. Mt. Akbaba, at 3462 meters, is the highest summit in the Mercandagi range. The limestone geology of these mountains creates their very rugged profile.
Erzincan, a major city North of the mountain ranges and accessible by air, rail and road, is the base from which to attempt an ascent on the North face.
Those wishing to climb the mountain from the South begin their trek at Ovacik in the middle of the Munzur mountains. Climbers entering from this point can reach the highest summits of the Munzur. Ovacik lies 70 kilometers from Erzincan and is accessible by a road which follows the banks of the Munzur valley. The Munzur River, which rushes through a national park, tempts tourists with superb fresh fish and beautiful mountain scenery.
Ministry of Tourism, Tourist Information Office
İsmet İnönü Bulv. No 5, Ankara
Tel: (312) 212 8300 / Ext.2207
Fax: (312) 213 6887
General Directorate of Youth and Sports
(Mountaineering Federation)
Ulus, Ankara
Tel: (312) 310 1578
Fax: (312) 310 1578
General Directorate of Youth and Sports
(Skiing Federation)
Ulus, Ankara
Tel: (312) 311 0764
Fax: (312) 311 0764
Atatürk University, Department of Sports Mountaineering and Skiing Branch, Erzurum.
Ankara University, Department of Sports Mountaineering Branch, Ankara
Hacettepe University, Mountaineering, Skiing and Outdoor Sports Club, Ankara
Middle East Technical University (ODTU), Department of Sports Mountaineering and Skiing Branch, Ankara
Erciyes University, Department of Sports Mountaineering and Skiing Branch, Kayseri
Robert College (Bodazici University) Mountaineering Club, Bebek, Istanbul.
Yıldız University, Department of Sports Mountaineering Branch, Yıldız, Istanbul
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