MOUNTAINEERING IN TURKEY
Kackar Mountains
(3932 m.)
In the rainy and lush landscapes of Northeastern Turkey, the Kaskar mountains
form the Northern section of the Anatolian mountain chain. The Kaskar-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 Kaskars 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, 7 C., falls in
the month of January while August sees the hottest days reaching a maximum
recorded temperature of 22.6 C.
The Kaskars
rise between the shores of the Black Sea to the North and the Çoruh
river valley to the South. On the Northern flank, an immense variety of
vegetation flourishes in the rainy climate. Up to 500 metres above sea
level, tea plantations and citrus orchards cover the hillsides. Chestnut,
hornbeam, beech and other large-leafed trees forest the slopes to 750 metres.
Between 750- 1500 metres of elevation, pines mix in with the large-leafed
trees until gradually they remain the only species of tree from 1500-2000
metres. Alpine meadows and other grassy vegetation cover the ground above
2100 metres. On the Southern faces of the Kaskars, 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
metres.
Trips and Climbs
The Altiparmak,
Kavron and Çarsamba mountains are the principal peaks of the Kaskars.
Both the North and South faces of the Altiparmak and Kavron can be scaled
but Çarsamba should only be attempted from the North face. It is
imperative to use a local guide when climbing the Kaskars.
The Toros
Mountains (3756 m.)
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.
The Toros Ala
Mountains
Forming part of the Central (Taurus) Toros range, the Ala range runs from
the Southwest to the Northeast for approximately 50 kilometres and boasts
the region's highest peak, Demirkazik that stretches to 3756 metres. Other
high summits include Kizilkaya in the centre (3725 m), a peak that reaches
3688 metres 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 Yedigöller 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.
Trips and climbs
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 Çamardi or Çukurbag 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.
Regional attractions
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 centres, 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 kilometres in diameter and covering an area of 1000 square kilometres,
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 metres.
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.
Trips and Climbs
Mountaineers attempt
Mt. Erciyes either on the Northwestern flank or from the South and find
the best climbing in June, July, August, and September.
Regional Attractions
Tourists visiting
the area should also see the fantastic rock formations, underground cities
and fabulous frescoes in rock carved churches in neighbouring Cappadocia.
The Sultan Marshes, a habitat for many different species of birds, has
fortunately been designated a national park and wildlife preserve.
