Kure Mountains
The Kure Mountains, formerly known as İsfendiyar Mountains, is a prominent mountain range in the Black Sea Region, Turkey. It is one of the three parallel mountain ranges that extend inwards from the coast in the Western Black Sea Region. The mountain range stretches for more than 300 km between Sinop and Bartın, separating Kastamonu and some of its districts from the coastal belt. The closest line of the Küre Mountains to the coast boasts wide ridges that exceed 1,500 m behind Ayancık. The highest peak in the Küre Mountains is Yaralıgöz Mountain, with an elevation of 2,019 m.
How the Kure Mountains were formed
The Küre Mountains are part of a larger mountain range system that extends from France to the Himalayas, passing through the Balkans, Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Iran. The formation of the Küre Mountains is linked to the Alpine Orogeny system. It is believed that the mountain range was formed when the African continent exerted pressure on the Anatolian peninsula, causing the parts under the Tethys Sea, which was formed after the disintegration of the land called Pangea, to rise and connect to the Alpine Orogeny system.
Nature and Climate in the Kure Mountain
The Küre Mountains play an important role in the climatic diversity of the Black Sea Region. The rugged terrain of the Küre Mountains causes climatic elements to change rapidly in a short distance, creating microclimate areas. While the Black Sea climate is dominant in the parts of the mountains close to the coast, the continental climate becomes more evident in the interior. Fluctuations in temperature, high temperature difference, increase in frost, and sagging into spring are the characteristics of the interior. The amount of precipitation in the plateaus far from the sea is half of that on the coast. According to Erinç, the coastal regions of the mountain are in the semi-humid climate class, while the inner regions are in the semi-arid climate class.
The slopes of the Küre Mountains are covered with forests, making them an important natural resource for the region. The forests help maintain the ecological balance of the region by providing a habitat for many animal species and protecting the soil from erosion. The Küre Mountains are also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and camping. The road connecting Kastamonu to İnebolu is crossed over the mountain by the Çataltepe pass, providing a scenic and adventurous route for travelers.
In conclusion, the Küre Mountains are a significant mountain range in Turkey, forming part of a larger mountain range system that extends from France to the Himalayas. The rugged terrain of the Küre Mountains creates a diverse range of microclimates, and the forests that cover the slopes of the mountain range are an important natural resource for the region. The Küre Mountains are also a popular destination for outdoor activities and provide a scenic route for travelers between Kastamonu and İnebolu.
Kure Mountains Glass Terrace
Çatak Canyon Glass Observation Deck at an altitude of 450 meters, built on Azdavay Çatak Canyon within the borders of Küre Mountains National Park.
Where is the Kure Mountains
You can see Kure Mountains on Google Map
You may also want to learn about Turkey’s highest mountain, Mount Ararat. Please click on the link to read more about majestic Mount Ararat.
