Mount Erciyes

Satellite image of Erciyes Dagi

Erciyes Dagi in 3D ( based on a TERRA ASTER digital elevation model ). Bdep2

The Mount Erciyes ( Turkish: Erciyes Dagi ) is a 3917 m or 3916 m high dormant volcano in Turkey. It is located 25 km south of Kayseri in Cappadocia. The mountain is a symbol of Kayseri. It towers above the city about 1000 m high lying around 2900m. In this dry area of ​​Erciyes for more than 1000 km ² of fertile land provides. At the foot of the mountain, you can hit the tents of semi-nomadic.

The ancient name of Erciyes Dagi was Argaios (Greek Ἀργαῖος, or Ἀργαῖον ὄρος Argaion oros, latin Argaeus Mons ). The geographer Strabo reported in his description of the area of Caesarea (Kayseri ) of levels that were covered with fire pits where at night that was burning from the ground. According to Strabo, there was in his time ( 54 BC to 19 AD) sulphurous hot water vapors at the Erciyes Dagi.

Called by the locals " fairy chimneys " ( Turkish peri bacaları ) - - The famous and unique tufa landscapes and lunar landscapes of Goreme in Cappadocia, with its typical stone hillocks are formed mainly by the eruptions of Mount Erciyes and partly also of the Hasan Dagi (near Aksaray ).

The first ascent was made by William John Hamilton in 1837.

However, the ruins of a church at the top show the repeated ascents in the Byzantine era. From the east the mountain can be relatively easy climb. Snow even in summer - - Only in the lot of the summit ridge is recommended for short sections lifeline.

Erciyes is an important winter sports and skiing.