THE
TOROS (TAURUS)
MOUNTAINS (3756 m.)
The Toros (Taurus)
Mountains are the
western - most
branch of the great
mountain chain that
stretches across 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
Southeastern Toros
(Taurus) 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 Toros
(Taurus) range, the
Aladaglar range runs
from the southwest
to the northeast for
approximately 50
kilometers 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
(3565 m.). This long
range, situaded in
the provinces of
Nigde,
Kayseri and
Adana, rises between
Lake Ecemis and
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 river
and caverns collect
the surface water.
Both the
Mediterranean and
Anatolian weather
systems influance
the climate of the
Aladaglar bringing
warm summers and
cool winters to the
mountains.
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.
Researces and
mountaineers
ascending the
Aladaglar usually
begin their climb
from either Camardi
or Cukurbag
villages. 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)
Aladag 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 progresis.
MOUNT
ERCIYES
One of the Turkey's
most important
mounteering and
winter sports
centers. Mount
Erciyes rises from
the south of the
Kayseri valley. The
Sultan Marses lie to
its west and to the
south falls the
Develi valley. Its
summit always
covered in snow and
ice. Mount 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 geograpy.
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.
Trips and
Climbs
Mountaineers attempt
Mount Erciyes either
on the northwestern
flank or from the
south and find the
best climbing in
June, July, August
and September.
Regional
Attractions
Tourists visitng the
area should also see
the fantastic rock
formations,
underground cities
and fabulous
frescoes in rock
carved churces in
neighboring
Cappadocia. The
Sultan Marses, a
habitat for many
different species of
birds, has
fortunately been
designated a
National Park and
wildlife preserve.
