Several tours in our catalog will take you through the Taurus Mountains. And their appeal goes beyond their undeniable beauty: they are a mythical mountain barrier full of stories and legends. In this post, we give you more information about them so you can appreciate them better when the time comes to travel through them and admire their silhouette on the other side of the window.
Taurus Mountains: the Natural Key Points
The Taurus Mountains are a large and high mountain range that extends through southeastern Turkey and beyond. Its main core is an arc or crescent that runs along the north of the historical region of Cilicia, parallel to the Mediterranean coast and the Gulf of Alexandretta. It is estimated to be 1,500 km long, with its highest peak being Mount Demirkazik (3756 meters above sea level).
But the Taurus Mountains also extend to the east and west. To the west, they form the Western Taurus, by the Gulf of Antalya. On the other hand, towards the east, it divides into two branches of enormous historical and religious interest.
- The Anti-Taurus, towards the south, extending into Syria
- The Eastern Taurus, by Lake Van and Armenia. And this is where the other peak is: (Mount Ararat, 5137 meters above sea level)
The richness and biodiversity are notable here, with native species characteristic of the area, such as the Turkish pine and the Taurus fir populating a good part of the valley forests, along with other trees such as oaks, cedars, and junipers, among many others.
The Evocative Power of the Taurus Mountains
The interest in the Taurus Mountains lies not only in their beauty and biodiversity but also in their evocative power, as they are related to fundamental events for Western history and religions, both ancient and current.
For example, on their easternmost side, the two great rivers that gave birth to the Mesopotamian civilization are born: the Tigris and Euphrates. And on the aforementioned Mount Ararat is where Noah’s Ark is said to have run aground during the Great Flood.
In its central sector, near Adana and Tarsus, is the main natural passage between Cilicia (Gulf of Alexandretta) and the rest of the Anatolian peninsula: the Cilician Gates, which are a narrow opening where the E-90 highway now runs. In the past, great personalities had to pass through here, such as Alexander the Great in his expansion to the East, Paul of Tarsus on his way to Galatia on his evangelizing journey, caravans on the Silk and Spice Routes, or the Crusaders on their way to the Holy Land.
Some Interesting Places in the Taurus Mountains
But if you’re not content with just crossing the Taurus Mountains during your tour and want to make a stop at some emblematic place in this mountain range, here we list some of them:
- Cimbar Canyon: a paradise for hikers but also for climbers, due to its spectacular walls for this activity
- Arpalik Plateau: a plateau sheltered by mountains in the heart of the range, usual territory of shepherds and now, of hikers
- Çukurbag and Eznevit: localities where rural life is still current, preserving ancestral activities and authentic traditions
- Karatas Cave: spectacular 200-meter grotto with water and remains of the presence of contemporaries of Saint Paul
These are just some examples of what the Taurus Mountains can offer to those who come to discover them at leisure. But the proposals go much further and include castle ruins, lush valleys, or rugged peaks for adventure sports. Without a doubt, a natural getaway that is worth it.
