Ilgaz Mountain is a prominent geographical formation in Turkey’s Western Black Sea Region, distinguished by its natural and cultural richness. Spanning across the provinces of Kastamonu and Çankırı, this mountain massif reaches its highest point at Büyükhacet Peak, which stands at 2,587 meters. The second-highest peak, Küçükhacet, reaches 2,546 meters. Ilgaz Mountain, stretching approximately 50 km in a northeast-southwest direction, forms an oval ridge and attracts scientific interest due to its geological structure, biodiversity, and historical significance.
Geographical and Geological Features
Ilgaz Mountain is located about 40 km south of Kastamonu’s city center, marking the border between Çankırı and Kastamonu provinces. It forms an elliptical mass extending east-west and is characterized by a 15-20 km ridge running in a southwest-northeast direction. Ilgaz Mountain National Park was designated as a protected area on June 2, 1976, covering 1,088.61 hectares, with 750.86 hectares in Kastamonu and 337.75 hectares in Çankırı. From a broader perspective, the Ilgaz Mountains' Important Natural Area (INA) spans 152,653 hectares, with elevations ranging from 670 to 2,587 meters.
Geologically, Ilgaz Mountain consists of serpentine, schist, and volcanic rocks, forming a complex terrain. The North Anatolian Fault, Turkey’s longest and most active fault line, runs along the southern slopes of the mountain, making the region significant in terms of tectonic activity. The mountain's geomorphology features valleys, ridges, and peaks, offering a rich and diverse landscape.
Flora and Vegetation
Ilgaz Mountain is part of the Euro-Siberian phytogeographic region, specifically the Euxine subregion, and is known for its rich vegetation. Dominant tree species include Kazdağı fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), which form either pure or mixed forests. Floristic studies within the national park have identified 234 species and subspecies across 51 families, with 37 species being endemic to Turkey (15.8% endemism rate). Notably, species such as Arabis abietina and Barbarea trichopoda, classified as "Critically Endangered" (CR), along with Corydalis wendelboi subsp. congesta and Ornithogalum wiedemannii var. reflexum, categorized as "Endangered" (EN), are unique to Ilgaz Mountain.
At elevations above 1,500 meters, Uludağ fir (Abies nordmanniana ssp. bornmuelleriana), oriental beech (Fagus orientalis), and Scots pine forests dominate. In lower regions, humid oak species (Quercus petraea, Q. robur, Q. frainetto) and black pine (Pinus nigra) prevail, whereas arid oak species (Q. pubescens, Q. infectoria, Q. cerris) and juniper (Juniperus excelsa, J. foetidissima) are found on dry southern slopes. Above 2,000–2,200 meters, alpine shrubs (Daphne oleoides, Juniperus communis ssp. nana, Vaccinium myrtillus) and endemic species, such as Festuca ilgazensis and Hieracium macrogonum, become dominant.
Fauna
Ilgaz Mountain's forest ecosystem hosts a diverse range of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna. Among the mammals found in the region are the brown bear (Ursus arctos), red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), gray wolf (Canis lupus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and Caucasian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus). Notable bird species include the common buzzard (Buteo buteo), lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina), bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). The insect fauna includes species such as Rhagium bifasciatum, Thanasimus formicarius, and the endangered Parnassius apollo.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Ilgaz Mountain has been a crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations throughout history. The earliest traces of settlement date back to the Proto-Hittite and Hittite periods (2000 BCE). The Hittites established city-states in the Ilgaz region around 1600 BCE, which later integrated into the Hittite Empire. Following the decline of Hittite rule due to the Dorian invasion around 1200 BCE, the area was controlled by the Cimmerians and Lydians. The Persians took control in 546 BCE, followed by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE.
During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Ilgaz was an important center, and it is believed to have been home to the city of Kimiate (Kimistene). After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the region came under Turkish rule and retained strategic importance during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. During the Turkish War of Independence, Ilgaz played a crucial role as part of the İstiklal Yolu (Independence Road), facilitating ammunition transport.
Tourism and Recreation
Ilgaz Mountain is an essential winter tourism destination, with snow cover lasting six months of the year. Since the 1990s, ski resorts and hotels have been established within Ilgaz Mountain National Park, attracting visitors, particularly from Ankara (207 km) and Istanbul (477 km). In addition to skiing, nature-based activities such as botanical excursions, hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife observation enhance the region’s appeal.
Threats and Conservation Efforts
Ilgaz Mountain faces several environmental threats, including excessive construction, expansion of ski resorts, overgrazing, and forest fires. Conservation efforts are ongoing to expand the protected area and maintain the ecological integrity of the INA.
With its geological structure, biodiversity, historical background, and tourism potential, Ilgaz Mountain is one of Turkey’s most significant natural areas. It holds critical value for scientific research and nature conservation, requiring sustainable management strategies to ensure its preservation for future generations.
