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In the rainy
and lush green landscapes of
Northeastern Turkey,
the Kaçkar Mountains form the Northern section of the Anatolian mountain
chain. The Kaçkar-Kavron summit, at an altitude of 3937 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 Aðrý (Ararat) and Cile-Sat mountains.
The Kaçkars 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 Kaçkars, 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 wildflowers and grasses blanket the slopes up to
elevations of 2300 meters.
The area is populated by the Hemþin people who
are famous for their colourful dresses and bagpipes made of goatskin
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