MOUNT IDA

THE KAZ MOUNTAINS AND THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL STRUCTURE


Kaz Dağı, Turkey, is a mountain range that covers an area of 150 square kilometers. The plant and animal diversity in this area is so rich that the Kaz Mountains are considered to be one of the richest regions in the world in terms of diversity. The rugged terrain and canyons provide a suitable environment for this plant and animal diversity to live. The highest point of the mountain is "Karataş Tepesi" at 1,774 meters. Two other peaks are located on either side of the summit. These are Sarıkız Tepesi (1,726m) and Baba Tepesi (1,764m).

The summit points of the Kaz Mountains, which draw a perfect barrier against the air currents coming from the Balkans, have a constantly changing climate on the one hand, and on the other hand, they are of an unfavorable nature in terms of plant and animal diversity for this very reason. The low oxygen level compared to sea level is another factor that negatively affects this diversity. When we descend below 1,700 meters, we encounter a rich plant and tree flora in terms of diversity.

The intensity of endemic plants is striking within this forest structure that extends over the area between 700 meters of altitude and 1,700 meters in height. When we descend even further from 700 meters in altitude, we are met by areas and villages covered with olive trees, shaped by their rich history, where the human factor is now active.