Sarıkamış - Kars | Turizm, Oteller, Doğu Ekspresi, Kayak Merkezi

General Overview and Nature of Sarıkamış Villages

Sarıkamış is a district surrounded by mountains, located on high plateaus at elevations of 1500–3000 meters. It has peaks such as Aladağ (3138 m), Süphan (Sipkaç, 2909 m) and Balıklı (2835 m) around it. A large part of these areas is covered with snow for a significant part of the year. Deep valleys such as Keklik, Komdere and İnkaya and extensive yellow pine forests extend between the mountains. These yellow pine forests form the largest forests in the region and are located within the boundaries of Allahüekber Mountains National Park.

Rivers such as Aras, Kars, Keklik, Zivin and Komdere pass through the district; especially the Aras River has a strong flow throughout the year. Asboğa Lake, located between the barren plateaus in the Asboğa and Çatak region, is a seasonal lake with clear waters that freezes in winter. Sarıkamış's climate is quite harsh; temperatures can drop to -40°C in long and heavy snowy winters, and snow thickness can reach 2 meters in some areas. Snow stays on the ground for approximately 5 months; transportation between villages in winter months is mostly provided by sled or ski.

Ethnic Structure

The majority of the population in Sarıkamış villages consists of Turks. In addition, due to migrations throughout history, Turks of Karapapak (Terekeme) origin and Turkmen (Yörük) families also live in the region. Thousands of Karapapak families settled in Sarıkamış in the period before and after the First World War. While some villages in the district have Alevi Turkmens or communities speaking Zaza, in recent years Kurdish population has also settled in these regions. This multicultural structure brings rich cultural diversity to village life.

Traditional Life and Customs

The main source of livelihood for the village people is agriculture and animal husbandry. Animal husbandry is especially prominent and high plateaus are used for grazing in summer months. During the summer season, nomadic families go up to the plateaus and stay in stone shelters called "kom". Local handicrafts and traditional ways of life continue in the villages.

Goose meat has an important place in the local cuisine; goose tandır, goose soup and region-specific pilafs are frequently prepared. Wheat-based products, local cheese varieties (gruyere, cheddar) and butter are also consumed intensively. In folk dances, dances such as Çobanlar Reksi and Şalako, which bear traces of Caucasian culture, are performed. Old clothes, hand embroideries and folkloric items are carefully preserved in village rooms.

Hospitality Culture

Hospitality is very strong in Sarıkamış villages. The village people traditionally offer generous hospitality to their guests and see hosting guests as a sign of respect. The understanding that "guests are not sent away hungry" still lives on. In the villages, a culture of warm welcome and hospitality prevails in every house whose door is knocked on.

Natural and Cultural Places to See

Sarıkamış villages have a rich environment in terms of nature and culture. Asboğa Lake, located between Çatak and Asboğa villages, is a seasonal lake with clear waters. Keklik Waterfall, which falls from a height of 30–35 meters in Keklik Valley, offers an impressive view. In summer months, high areas such as Şehitemin, Çatak, Yolgeçmez and Yenigazi attract attention with their lush green plateaus.

Historically, Zivin, Micingirt, Köroğlu and Kızlar castles are among the important cultural heritages of the region. Although these ancient castles built on steep rocks are partially standing today, they reflect the historical texture of the region. In some villages, domed wooden mosques and stone houses from the Ottoman period can be seen. Allahüekber Mountains National Park on the banks of the Aras River is one of the natural areas that must be seen.