The Cilo Mountains are a mountain range located at the eastern end of the Southeastern Taurus Mountains in Hakkari Province and home to Türkiye's second-highest peak, the Reşko (Uludoruk) Peak (4,168 m). These mountains, which were formed within the Alpine-Himalayan Fold System, are notable for their rugged topography, glaciers, glacial lakes, and rich biological diversity. The region, which is under protection as the Cilo Sat Mountains National Park, is an important center for mountaineering, nature sports, and scientific research.
Cilo Sat Mountains National Park (Source: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
Geographical Features and Location
The Cilo Mountains are located in the İki Yaka Mountains of the Yüksekova district of Hakkari and form the eastern part of the Southeastern Taurus Mountains. These mountains, which are part of the Alpine-Himalayan Fold System, have a steep and rugged terrain. The highest point is the Reşko (Uludoruk) Peak, which is the second-highest peak in Türkiye at 4,168 meters. There are cirque and glacial lakes on the peaks of the mountains; these lakes provide important clues about the geological history of the region. The Cilo Mountains, as one of the elements that complement the natural beauties of Hakkari, lie to the north of the Zap River and form an important geographical border on the north-south axis of the province.
The ecological structure of the mountains hosts a wide variety of wild animals, and this feature makes the region attractive for scientific research. The Cilo Sat Mountains National Park protects these natural riches and offers potential for both nature sports and ecotourism. This area, suitable for winter sports, mountaineering, and recreational activities, is a natural wonder reflecting the mountainous character of Hakkari.
History of Mountaineering
The Cilo Mountains have an important place in the historical development of mountaineering in Türkiye. Mountaineering activities were first initiated in Türkiye by foreign researchers. The first known climbs in the Cilo and Sat Mountains began in 1900 with research conducted by F.R. Maunsell for mapping purposes. In 1931, Ludwig Krenek and Ludwig Sperlich made the first mountaineering ascents in the region. In 1937, a five-person German team led by Hans Bobek from the University of Berlin made the first ascents of 20 main peaks, including Reşko Peak (4,136 m), between September 8 and October 8.
The first event of Turkish mountaineers in the Cilo Mountains was organized in 1945; in this event, Prof. Dr. Reşat İzbırak took part as a researcher and climbed Gelyano Peak (3,650 m). Reşko Peak was reached at 4,030 meters, but the summit could not be completed. The first Turkish ascent of Reşko was carried out on August 5, 1947, by a geology team researching on behalf of the MTA; this team included Hayri Ünsal, Süleyman Türkünal, Ali Güzel, İbrahim Şenocak, and Avcı Osman. A second event was organized by the Mountaineering Federation in 1948; the ascent to Reşko Peak was completed in this climb, in which Prof. Dr. Sırrı Erinç participated. The team included names such as Latif Osman Çıkıgil, Muvaffak Uyanık, Asım Kurt, and Şinasi Barutçu.
In the 1960s, foreign climbers made technical climbs in the Cilo Mountains. In 1962, Bernhard Maidl and Rudiger Steuer made the first ascent of the large glacier on the north wall of Uludoruk Peak (4,136 m); in 1966, Doug Scott and Brian Watts climbed the northeast wall of Göl Dağı. In 1972, Yalçın Koç made the first winter ascent of Reşko. However, in the 1980s, the Cilo and Sat Mountains were closed to climbing due to security problems in the region, and this situation continues today.
Ecological and Touristic Value
The Cilo Mountains offer an ideal area for mountaineering with its rich natural landscape and climbing routes of varying difficulty levels. Cilo Sat Mountains National Park is suitable for both amateur and professional mountaineers with its structure that allows climbing without the need for auxiliary equipment. Glaciers and glacial lakes increase the ecological diversity of the region and also have potential for recreational activities such as winter sports and nature walks. Its location close to the Yüksekova district is a factor that increases the accessibility of the national park.
Rock paintings found in areas close to the summit of the mountains also reveal the cultural value of the Cilo Mountains. These paintings, located on Cilo Mountain at an altitude of 4,135 meters in Yüksekova, consist of animal, human, and symbolic figures; however, there is no definite information about who made them and when. This mystery also makes the region interesting from an archaeological perspective.
Current Situation and Cultural Context
Cilo Mountains, as part of Hakkari’s natural and historical heritage, are an important element that strengthens the province’s tourism potential. However, since the 1980s, the fact that climbing has been closed has prevented the region from fully benefiting from mountaineering activities. Despite this, the national park status continues to maintain the Cilo Mountains as an ecological conservation area and allows for scientific research. Along with Hakkari’s other natural and historical assets (such as Berçelan Plateau, Zap Stream, and Bay Castle), the Cilo Mountains are one of the region’s must-see places.
The geological structure of the mountains presents a rugged topography as a result of the Alpine-Himalayan system, and this reinforces Hakkari’s mountainous character. The fact that Reşko Peak is the second-highest point in Türkiye makes the Cilo Mountains an important geographical asset on a national scale.
