List of mountains in Turkey facts for kids

Turkey is a country that connects Europe and Asia, and it's famous for its amazing mountains! These mountains are not just beautiful; they also play a big part in shaping Turkey's weather, rivers, and even its history. From tall, snowy peaks to green, rolling hills, Turkey's mountains offer incredible views and are home to many different plants and animals.

Geographic view of Turkey

Mountain ranges and tectonic faults of Turkey

Turkey's Major Mountain Ranges

Turkey has several large mountain ranges that stretch across the country. These ranges are like giant natural walls that divide different regions and create unique landscapes.

Taurus Mountains: The Southern Giants

The Taurus Mountains are a huge mountain range in southern Turkey. They run along the coast, separating the warm Mediterranean Sea from the high central plateau called the Anatolian Plateau. These mountains are known for their rugged peaks and deep valleys. Some parts of the Taurus Mountains include:

• Akdağlar (also known as the White Mountains) in the southwest.
• Beydağlar (or Bey Mountains).
• The Tahtalı Mountain Range in southwest Anatolia.

The Anti-Taurus Mountains (called Aladağlar in Turkish) are an extension of the Taurus Mountains. They are found in southern and eastern Turkey. The Cilo-Sat Mountains, located in Hakkari province, are an eastern part of the Taurus system. The Nur Mountains are also in South Anatolia.

Pontic Mountains: Northern Wonders

In northern Turkey, along the coast of the Black Sea, you'll find the Pontic Mountains. In Turkish, they are called Kuzey Anadolu Dağları, which means "North Anatolian Mountains." These mountains are very green and often covered in forests, especially near the Black Sea.

• The Kaçkar Mountains are at the eastern end of the Pontic Mountains and are very popular for hiking and climbing.
• The Köroğlu Mountains are in Northwest Anatolia.

Other Important Ranges

Besides the main ranges, Turkey has other significant mountains:

• The Yıldız Mountains (also known as Istranca or Strandzha) are in the European part of Turkey and also extend into Bulgaria.
• The Sultan Mountains are on the western edge of the Anatolian Plateau.
• The Yalnızçam Mountains and Akdoğan Mountains are located in the Eastern Anatolia Region.

Famous Peaks of Turkey

Turkey is home to many tall and impressive mountains. Here are some of the most famous ones:

• Büyük Ağrı (Mount Ararat): This is the tallest mountain in Turkey, standing at 5,137 meters (about 16,854 feet) high! It's a volcano that is not active anymore and is famous around the world because some people believe Noah's Ark landed there.
• Gelyansın or Uludoruk (Reşko Tepesi): This peak is 4,134 meters (about 13,563 feet) tall and is part of the Taurus Mountains.
• Süphan: Another impressive mountain, Süphan is 4,058 meters (about 13,314 feet) high.
• Kaçkar Dağı: The highest peak in the Kaçkarlar range, reaching 3,932 meters (about 12,900 feet). It's a favorite spot for mountaineers.
• Erciyes: This mountain is a large volcano in Central Anatolia, standing at 3,916 meters (about 12,848 feet). It's a popular place for skiing in winter.
• Küçük Ağrı (Lesser Ararat or Little Ararat): This is a smaller peak next to Mount Ararat, at 3,896 meters (about 12,782 feet).
• Kızılkaya: This is the highest peak in the Anti-Taurus Mountains (Aladağlar), reaching 3,767 meters (about 12,359 feet).
• Büyük Demirkazık (Greater Demirkazık): Another tall peak in the Aladağlar range, at 3,756 meters (about 12,323 feet).
• Mount Tendürek: This is a volcano that is 3,584 meters (about 11,759 feet) high.
• Medetsiz: The highest peak in the Bolkar Mountains, standing at 3,524 meters (about 11,562 feet).
• Hasan Dağı: Another volcano, 3,253 meters (about 10,673 feet) tall.
• Nemrut: A volcano with a large crater lake, 3,050 meters (about 10,007 feet) high.
• Uludağ: Located near the city of Bursa, Uludağ is 2,543 meters (about 8,343 feet) high and is a very popular ski resort.
• Kazdağı (Mount Ida): This mountain is 1,770 meters (about 5,807 feet) tall and is famous in ancient Greek stories.

Images for kids

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  Ruins of a Nestorian church on top of Mount Judi, which is associated with the ark of Nuh or Noah

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  Aegean Region

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  Aladağlar

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  The major ridge and summit of Mount Erciyes

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  Hasan Dağı, Aksaray

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  Kaçkar Dağı

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  Mount Uludağ

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  View of Mount Nemrut in Turkey, as the highest point in the picture

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  Ararat (Ağrı Dağı)

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  Ararat (Ağrı Dağı)

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  Palandöken Mountain

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  Tahtalı Mountains

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  Mount Süphan

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  Mount Erciyes

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  Mount Artos

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  Ararat, Climbing route at 4700 m

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  Ararat, View of snow-covered top from 4900 m

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  Ararat-Ağrı Dağı, Location

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  Ararat

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  Ararat, from 2700m

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  Ararat, view with truck driving mountineers

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  Ararat, from west

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  Ararat, Khorvirap monastery in front of Mount Ararat

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  Akilbaba Tepesi in the Giresun Mountains Chain in the Black Sea Region of Turkey

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  Top of the Nemrut Dağı

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  Termessos with view to mountain Solymos (Güllük Dağı)

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  Olympos, Antalya