Ararat Mountain (Agri Dagi)

The name Ağrı in Turkish is derived from Agir in Kurdish meaning fire referring to Ararat being a volcano. An elevation of 5,165 m for Mount Ararat is given by some authorities, but others, give 5,137 m (16,854 ft).

Technically, Ararat is a stratovolcano, formed of lava flows and pyroclastic ejecta. A smaller (3,896 m) cone, "Little Ararat", rises from the same base, southeast of the main peak. The lava plateau stretches out between the two pinnacles. The last activity on the mountain was a major earthquake in July 1840 centered around the Ahora Gorge, a northeast trending chasm that drops 1,825 metres (6,000 ft) from the top of the mountain.

Dr. Friedrich Parrot, with the help of Khachatur Abovian, was the first explorer in modern times to reach the summit of Mount Ararat, with the onset of Russian rule in 1829. He was followed in 1856 by a group of five explorers led by Major Robert Stuart.

Climbing Mount Ararat

In the summer, the weather in the area and on Mount Ararat 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 this area. Climbing up Mt Ararat is most enjoyable during this period. However, despite the usual sunny and clear weather at that time of year, high altitude mountain weather swirls around above 3000 meters. The southern side of the mountain offers the easiest and safest climb to the summit. With this route one has access to the best route communication and transportation facilities and it is safe. It is not recommended to climb Mount Ararat alone and without a guide.

The climb is long, but there is a fairly easy route from the South in late summer for climbers who are familiar with the use of axe and crampons. There are two possible campsites on the mountain, and the glacier begins around 4,800 meters. For non-Turkish nationals special permission is required to climb Mt Ararat. It may take up to 2 months to get the permissions.

Taurus (Toros) Mountains (Aladaglar)

The system extends along a curve from Lake Egridir in the west to the upper reaches of the Euphrates River in the east. It has many peaks rising above elevations of 10,000–12,000 ft (3,000–3,700 m).

Limestone has eroded to form karstic landscapes of waterfalls, underground rivers, and the largest caves of Asia.

The highest altitude point of this system is Demirkazik summit which is around 4.000 meters high. This part of the Taurus Mountains is called as Aladağlar.

The Taurus Mountains are the western most branch 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 it is made up of four major sections, the Western, Central, Southern and Southeastern Toros ranges. The highest peaks rises 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 range, the Aladaglar range runs from the southwest to the northeast for approximately 50 kilometers. It is between 25 and 30 kilometers wide and boasts the region’s highest peak, Demirkazik which stretches to 3756 meters. Other high summits include Kizilkaya in the center (3725 m), a peak that reaches 3688 meters in the south and Mount Vayvay in the East (3565m). The long range is situated in the provinces of Nigde and Adana and rises between Lake Ecemis and the Zamanti river.

The geological formation 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 Aladaglar bringing warm summers and cool winters to the mountains.

Erciyes Mountain (3917 m)

Erciyes Mountain, Kayseri, Turkey by Hüseyin Avni YAZICI

The Sultan Marshes lie to its west and to the south falls the Develi valley. It’s summit is always covered with 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 typical steppe. Winter brings considerable snowfall to higher elevations. The northern side of the mountain enjoys a more temperate climate encouraging the cultivation of vast areas of vine and fruit orchards between 1100 and 1600 meters. Above that altitude, expanses of 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.

Bey Daglari Mountains (3086 m)

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 peak on the mountains is Mt. Kizlarsivrisi (3086 m). Climbers reach the peak through the cedar forested Camcukuru valley. The best way to get 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.

Mount Tahtali, 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 200 m. bare meadows stretch to the summit. The climb up Mt. Tahtali begins at Sogukpinar, a short drive from Kemer. From there both walking and climbing bring you to a place for camping. 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 Beydaglari all year round, April, May and June offer both a temperate climate and a chance to experience the rich vegetation in the region.

Mount Hasan

A caldera 4-5 kilometres wide formed near the current summit around 7500 BC, in an eruption recorded in Neolithic paintings.

Approximately six hours walk is required to climb to the top of the mountain, as it is not possible to drive up. At the summit of Mount Hasan, one is faced with a fabulous view over the central Anatolian plateau, including the distant Cappadocia.

Uludag

Summer activities, such as trekking and camping, also are popular.

Turkish Uludag means "Great Mountain", but in colloquial Turkish, the mountain is called Keşiş Dagı, "Mountain of Monks". It is said that Homeros used to refer to Mt. Uludag as Olympos Misios or Bithynik Olymp .According to the legends , it is said that Trojan wars used to have been watched by the Apollon and the other Greek Gods . In the Roman Empire and Hellenic periods, Mt. Uludag a place of seclusion for early Christian monks.

Mt. Uludag is the highest mountain of the Marmara region. Its highest peak is Kartaltepe 2543 meters high. To the north are high plateaus: Sarıalan, Kirazlıyayla , Kadıyayla , Sobra.

There is an abandoned wolfram mine near the summit. The mine and the integrated plant which were built in 1974 for 60 million dollars, were eventually closed in 1989 due to high production costs.

Uludag National Park Turkey

The highest area in western Anatolia, Uludag is easily ascended by car or cable-car. The park is about 22 km south of Bursa and is signposted from there. Bursa can be reached by road from Istanbul. The cable-car ascends from Bursa and has an intermediate stop in the alpine meadows of Kadiyayla at about 1000 m elevation. It ends at Sarialan at about 1630 m.

Habitats of the park range from maquis on the lower slopes, through deciduous woodland and beech and fir forest to alpine meadows at the highest levels. It is a refuge for mountain birds, such as Lammergeier and other vultures, Golden Eagle and more than 20 other raptor species. Other high-altitude species include Alpine Accentor, rock thrushes and choughs. The area is also good for eastern specialities such as Isabelline Wheatear, and, at almost the most westerly points of their range, Red-fronted Serin and Krüper’s Nuthatch. The dense fir forest holds Short-toed Treecreeper, Common Crossbill and Tengmalm’s Owl, a rare and very local bird in Turkey. White-backed Woodpecker has been seen. The rare and local butterfly, Parnassius apollo graslini, is found on Uludag and the area has much of interest to botanists, with colourful pink primroses, Primula vulgaris var sibthorpii; Leopardsbane, Duronicum orientalis; crocuses: the purple Crocus siberi and yellow Crocus flavus; and grape hyacinths, Muscari racemosum.

Bolkar Mountains (Bolkarlar)

The northern part of the mountains lies 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 water network has developed on the mountains. Because of the sedimentary nature of rocks, water is absorbed underground 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 north 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.

Kackar Mountains (Kackarlar)

The highest peaks in the range are Altiparmak (3480m), Kackar (3937m) and Vercenik (3710m).

Every year hundreds of climbers visit Kackar Mountain, whose southern face offers an easy climb. If there is no fog, there is a magnificent view of the mountains of the eastern Black Sea. The northern face is usually for more experienced climbers, with the opportunity to visit the thermal springs at Ayder on the trip down.

Climbing the mountain in the winter is as hard as the summer climb is easy. In the winter months, snow fills the mountains and covers the high pastures, and the houses disappear completely. The slopes of the glaciers are very conducive to avalanches.

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.

This region enjoys an almost sub-tropical climate of temperate, yet rainy weather with an average temperature of 14° C. The lowest temperature, 7° C., falls in the month of January while August sees the hottest days reaching a maximum recorded temperature of 22.6° C.

The Kackars rise in between the shores of the Black Sea to the north and the River Coruh valley to the south. On the northern flank, a good variety of vegetation flourishes in the rainy climate. Up to 500 meters above sea level, tea plantations and citrus orchards cover the hillsides. Chesnuts, hornbeam, beech and other large-leafed trees which forest the slopes to 750 meters. Between 750-1500 meters of elevation, pines mix in with the 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 fruits and vines. As on the north side in the higher elevations, meadows of wild flowers and grass blanket the slopes up to 2300 meters.

Munzur Mountains (3462 m)

Mt. Akbaba, at 3462 meters, is the highest summit in the Mercandagi range. The limestone geological formation of these mountains creates a rugged profile. Erzincan, a major city north of the mountain range and accessible by air, rail and road, is the base from which an ascent on the northern face can be attempted. 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 which lies 70 kilometers away from Erzincan and is accessible by a road which follows the banks of the Munzur valley. The River Munzur which rushes through a national park tempts tourists with fresh fish and beautiful mountain scenery.

Mountaineering in Turkey

A part of the Alpine-Himalayan Mountain range, Turkey has mountainous regions with 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 wild life, 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 mountain ranges are the Rize Kaçkar (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 moved yearly to the fresh pastures of the higher elevations in the summer. These alpine meadows, called yayla, house nomadic people whose traditional culture is still preserved.

For climbers and those interested in the geography of mountains, Turkey offers a wealth of exploration. Glaciers, volcanoes, and peculiar geological formations such as karst prove irresistible to researchers and students of the geology. The challenging terrain offers opportunities to aficionados of outdoor sports, who will find the most interesting experiences on the mountains of eastern, central and southern Turkey.