Özkürtün is a town in the Black Sea Region of Gümüşhane province. The town's geographical features include Kürtün Dam Lake, Erikbeli Plateau, and Reed Area. The town is characterized by its highland life, traditional rural settlement pattern, and local social structure. Due to its proximity to the coast, Özkürtün exhibits features of both inland and coastal cultures.
Özkürtün - Emre Zengin (Author)
Geographical Location and Transportation
Özkürtün, a town belonging to the Kürtün district of Gümüşhane, stretches along the Harşit Valley and is situated on the shores of Kürtün Dam Lake. It is 10 km from the district center and approximately 45 km from the Gümüşhane city center. Thanks to the road network connecting to the Black Sea coast via the Zigana Pass or Doğankent, cities like Trabzon are approximately 1.5 hours away. The town's location provides easy access to both inland plateaus and coastal cities.
Historical Development and Administrative Structure
The historical past of Özkürtün extends to the 16th century. Organized as a region in the 1950s, it gained municipality status in 1992 with the merger of Cayra, Süme, and Konacık villages; in 1994, Karaçukur neighborhood was also included, resulting in its current administrative structure. Today, it consists of three neighborhoods: Cayra, Süme, and Karaçukur, and is governed by the Özkürtün Municipality.
As of 2022, Özkürtün's population is 2,275. The town's population increases in the summer months, especially with the arrival of citizens from abroad and families going to the highlands. In this town, where traditional Black Sea village life continues, neighborly relations and community events form the basis of social life.
Natural Beauties and Tourism
Kürtün Dam Lake
Located within the town's boundaries, the Kürtün Dam, built on the Harşit River, has become a recreational area. With bungalows, viewing areas, walking paths, and picnic areas placed along the lakeshore by the town municipality, the dam serves as a resting and nature observation point for both locals and visitors.
Kürtün Dam Lake- Emre Zengin (Author)
Kadırga Plateau
Kadırga Plateau, located within the borders of Özkürtün, attracts attention with its historical and cultural elements. At an altitude of 2200 meters, it is situated in the high altitudes of the Black Sea region. One of the structures on the plateau is an open-air mosque with a history of 563 years. It is known that Mehmed the Conqueror led Friday prayers here during his Trabzon campaign in 1461, a tradition that continues to this day. The mosque, designed without a roof, consists only of two low stone walls and an enclosed area. In the summer months, especially during the Otçu Festival held on the third Friday of July, thousands gather to perform Friday prayers on the grass within this mosque.
Kadırga Plateau - Anadolu Agency
Süme Castle
Located in Süme neighborhood, this historical castle, built on bedrock, is believed to have been used for surveillance. Despite its difficult access, the castle, preserving its historical structure, is one of Gümüşhane's rocky defensive structures.
Erikbeli Plateau
Located within the boundaries of Özkürtün, Erikbeli Plateau is situated at the end of the Süme Creek Valley at an altitude of approximately 1800 meters. Its history dates back to the 1500s, and in 1991 it was designated a tourism center by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. With its natural water resources, green cover, and clean air, it is suitable for activities such as camping, hiking, and nature photography.
Erikbeli Plateau- Emre Zengin (Author)
Reed Area (Özkürtün Reedbed)
Located on the Erikbeli road, the Reed Area is one of the town's natural and cultural heritages. This wetland area, surrounded by reeds, is on the migratory route of wild birds and contributes to local biodiversity. Traditionally used as a livestock grazing area, this area is also valuable as a space for local people to connect with nature. The area has potential for ecotourism.
Reed Area- Emre Zengin (Author)
Economy and Local Production
The economy of Özkürtün is mainly based on agriculture, livestock farming, and the financial contributions of the emigrant population. Besides products such as beans, cabbage, and potatoes, forest fruits and herbs are also used in the cuisine. In recent years, with projects supported by the Eastern Black Sea Development Agency (DOKA), the production of local products such as jams, pickles, and noodles has been encouraged through cooperatives.
The people of the town continue traditional herding activities by going to the highlands in the summer. Otçu festivals, weddings, and highland fairs are among the cultural events in the region. Folk music, horon (a type of dance), traditional clothing, and local dishes are among the cultural elements seen in Özkürtün.
