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Located in the center of Turkey, the Taurus Mountains are impressive mountains that draw a dividing line between the Anatolian plateau from the Mediterranean coastal regions. These great wonders of nature have silently observed many years of history, geography, and culture.
These mountains located in the southern part of the country offer a range of fascinating picture scenery accompanied by a vast history acting as a conduit linking two regions of the earth, Africa and Asia. The Taurus Mountains are an unexplored and appreciated landscape for travelers, nature lovers, and history fans.
Where is the Taurus Mountains?
Before jumping onto the amazing features of the region, one might ask: where are the Taurus Mountains? The Taurus Mountains, known as Toros Dagh in Turkish, prevail from the Mediterranean coastline of Turkey and bends toward the east with its southern edge close to the Anatolian plateau.
The length of the mountain range is about 560 km (350 miles) in length stretching from the western Aegean region to the eastern extreme up the bottom of the Mesopotamian region. This extensive range of mountains serves as a protective wall between the outer and inner coastal regions of Turkey providing attractive sceneries and rugged landscapes for travelers in search of adventure.
The Taurus Mountain range is made up of three major ranges such as Western Taurus, Central Taurus, and Eastern Taurus with each exhibiting variation in physiography and environmental characteristics. The Minaret Mountain, which is present in the Taurus Mountains is the tallest at 3756 M (12233 ft) high making it the most popular mountain site for climbers and trekkers.
Turkish Taurus Mountain Mesopotamian
While looking at geography and history, it is worth noticing the connection of the Taurus Mountains to Mesopotamia. In ancient times, the region of the Taurus Mountains was an important bridge between the people of Mesopotamia and the peoples of the Mediterranean Sea. There was a mountain system used as a barrier for protection and also allowed for the circulation of people, goods, and ideas among these two rich cultures.
Mesopotamia is often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization". Assisted by the two rivers Tigris and Euphrates, it flourished in an area of land between them. The trace of land along the Mediterranean Sea gradually formed a Center for Trade Activities. The Taurus mountains with their multitude of mountains and high valleys, rivers, and passes were ideal for merchants and travelers traversing this area. Thus, these mountains acted not merely as geographical boundaries but also opened up a corridor for interactions. This was instrumental in the cultural evolution and early histories of people in Anatolia and other regions further past it.
Beauty in Nature: the Taurus Mountains
The Taurus Mountain Range and particularly its geographic regions and people have many stories to tell. The Taurus Mountains Turkey highlands range in diversity such that it possesses everything a lover of nature would dream of. Rugged mountains sculpted with deep valleys, and dense pine forests, and the region is a complete heaven for the adventure spirits.
One of the many interesting elements of the Taurus Mountains is its rich biodiversity. This mountain range is populated with various animals such as wild goats, deer, and bears as well as the rare Anatolian leopard. Those who engage in the pastime of watching hills extending above them will be pleased with the eagles, vultures, and even falcon birds that also navigate the skies.
The hills also assist in producing water in the form of rivers and streams which play an important role in the geography of the area creating deep gorges and valleys. For example, well-known rivers such as Göksu, Ceyhan, and Seyhan can be found in the Taurus Mountain region before they flow their waters to the Mediterranean Sea. These rivers help to maintain the balance of nature in the region and also serve as good places for adventurers to enjoy activities such as river rafting fishing and kayaking.
Trekking and Adventure
East of Tarsus in the Mediterranean region; South of Adana; and North of the Mediterranean Sea, the Taurus Mountains rise excellently for lovers of trekking, climbing, and mountain climbing. The mountain range is not without a map covering it. In other words, there are very easy, scenic valleys that can be walked and the most difficult climbing of the summits of the range. There are also other marked trails in the area, therefore the trek is suitable for any level of management.
Walking/Pilgrimage routes – a major feature of Turkish tourism and hiking is the ancient ‘Lycian Way’ which is a 500km (311 mile) walk that connects Fethiye and Antalya and crosses the slope of the Taurus Mountain range. Hikers on this path will also be treated to sights of the sea, remnants of civilization, and rustic architecture typical of Turkey. The Lycian Way could be ridden to see the wonders contained in the mountain ranges of Taurus Turkey and while doing so provide the cultural aspect of the people living there.
Traveling to Turkey's Taurus Mountains: Useful Tips
When you want to go on a trip to the Taurus Mountains, several gateway cities allow for easy access to the region. The city of Antalya located along the Mediterranean Coast is for instance a well-known point for tourists looking for the mountainous western region of the Taurus mountains. Travelers from Antalya, for instance, can explore the Taurus Mountains to see the ancient structures, engage in trekking along the beautiful sceneries, or simply relax in the warm embrace of nature.
In the same case, the cities of Mersin and Adana are also very good at exploring the eastern and central ranges of the Taurus Mountains. They also exude some level of modernity including restaurants and hotels but still retain their Turkish cultural aspects making them suitable for travelers who want to enjoy both the mountains and the local cultural activities.
Conclusion:
Taking everything into account, located in Turkey the Taurus Mountains present an extraordinary fusion of history, people as well as ecotourism. Whether you are attracted to the magnificent sceneries, the cultural aspects of the connection between the Taurus Mountains with Mesopotamia, or the possibilities of adventures in untouched lands, this grand mountain range cannot leave anyone disappointed or bored.
