Sarıkamış–Allahuekber Mountains National Park

Sarıkamış–Allahuekber Mountains Overview

Sarıkamış–Allahuekber Mountains National Park, known in Turkish as Sarıkamış–Allahuekber Dağları Milli Parkı, is located in northeastern Turkey, primarily within the Kars and Erzurum provinces.

Covering approximately 111 square miles (287 square kilometers), the park lies within a remote and mountainous region that holds both natural splendor and deep historical significance. The park was established not only to protect its pristine alpine environment but also to commemorate the tragic Battle of Sarıkamış, in which thousands of Ottoman soldiers perished in the snow-covered Allahuekber Mountains during World War I.

The terrain is defined by the dramatic and snow-laden Allahuekber Mountains, part of the larger Pontic Mountain system. These peaks rise to elevations over 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) and are often blanketed in snow from late autumn through spring.

The landscape includes alpine meadows, steep ridgelines, coniferous forests, and wide, open plateaus. Snowy pine trees dominate the higher elevations, particularly Turkish Scotch pine, while lower slopes and valleys are home to birch, juniper, and spruce. Glacial valleys and isolated clearings offer serene vistas, often with far-reaching views of snowcapped ridges and distant mountain ranges.

Wildlife in Sarıkamış–Allahuekber Mountains National Park is characteristic of high-altitude and boreal ecosystems. Key mammal species include the gray wolf, brown bear, red fox, lynx, and wild boar, all of which roam the forested and alpine areas.

Roe deer and red deer are also commonly found and are vital parts of the ecosystem. Birdlife is abundant, with the park serving as a refuge for golden eagles, common buzzards, black woodpeckers, and Eurasian jays. In winter, the snow-covered landscape becomes especially important for tracking animal activity, as paw and hoof prints mark the quiet terrain.

The park is well known for its combination of natural beauty and poignant historical context. A monument and memorial area honor the soldiers who died during the 1914-1915 campaign in freezing conditions.

Each year, visitors participate in commemorative walks and ceremonies, connecting the park’s natural setting with its role in national memory. Beyond its historical importance, the area has become increasingly popular for winter sports and nature tourism. The nearby Sarıkamış Ski Center is one of Turkey’s premier destinations for skiing and snowboarding, with powdery snow and forested slopes resembling those of central Europe.

Visitors can experience the park through a range of seasonal activities. In winter, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow trekking are popular, especially in the pine-draped landscapes.

During warmer months, hiking and wildlife observation draw nature enthusiasts to the meadows and forest trails. Photography and birdwatching are common, particularly during spring and autumn migrations.

Conservation efforts in the park focus on protecting both the natural environment and cultural heritage. Challenges include increasing tourism pressure, deforestation risks, and illegal hunting.

However, recent years have seen improved infrastructure, better signage, and greater local engagement in park stewardship. Educational initiatives and community partnerships have contributed to a broader awareness of the region’s environmental and historical value, helping ensure the park’s integrity for future generations.

Park Map

Sarıkamış–Allahuekber Mountains National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Sarıkamış–Allahuekber Mountains National Park, located in northeastern Turkey across the provinces of Kars and Erzurum, is a high-altitude landscape of snow-covered peaks, coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and historical significance. Known for its harsh winters and remote beauty, the park provides habitat for a resilient mix of mammals and reptiles that thrive in its cold, mountainous terrain.

Brown Bear
A key species of the region, the brown bear roams the forested slopes and alpine valleys in search of berries, roots, and small animals. It hibernates in dens during the long, snowy winters.

Grey Wolf
One of the park’s top predators, the grey wolf hunts in packs and preys on wild goats, deer, and smaller mammals. It plays a crucial role in the highland food chain.

Wild Goat (Bezoar Ibex)
Found on steep, rocky ridges, these agile climbers are well-adapted to the snowy slopes and high altitudes. Males have long, spiraled horns and are often seen at sunrise or sunset.

Red Fox
Widespread across the forested and open areas, the red fox hunts rodents and birds and scavenges for berries and insects, adapting well to snowy and icy conditions.

Roe Deer
These graceful herbivores are commonly seen in forest clearings and mountain pastures. They feed on grasses and browse and are especially alert to avoid wolf predation.

Wild Boar
Common in the lower forests, wild boars root through soil for tubers and insects. Their strength and group behavior help them endure the park’s harsh winters.

European Lynx
Elusive and solitary, the lynx moves silently through the snow-covered forest. It hunts hares and small deer, and its thick fur and large paws make it well-suited to the cold.

European Pine Marten
This agile predator thrives in the park’s pine forests, preying on birds, small mammals, and insects. It climbs with ease and is mostly nocturnal.

Eastern Hedgehog
Found in lower elevation meadows during the warmer months, this small insectivore hibernates during the frigid winters and feeds on worms and beetles during spring and summer.

Common European Adder
This cold-tolerant venomous snake is found in open alpine meadows and forest edges. It hibernates in winter and feeds on small rodents and amphibians during the warmer months.

Birds

Sarıkamış–Allahuekber Mountains National Park is also rich in birdlife, particularly high-altitude and forest species that are adapted to life in the park’s snowy landscapes and dense conifer forests.

Golden Eagle
A majestic presence over the alpine ridges, the golden eagle hunts hares, foxes, and wild goats. It soars with grace and nests on high cliffs far from disturbance.

Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
This rare vulture feeds almost exclusively on bone fragments, which it drops from great heights to crack open. It is a dramatic sight in the park’s high peaks and gorges.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Turkey’s largest owl, this bird roosts in rocky ledges and forested slopes by day and hunts rodents and birds at night with silent flight and powerful vision.

Common Buzzard
A versatile raptor often seen soaring over meadows and valleys, the buzzard preys on small mammals and birds and is common year-round in the park.

Black Woodpecker
A striking forest species, the black woodpecker drills into conifer trunks for beetles and nests in tree cavities. Its loud drumming echoes through the snow-laden woods.

White-throated Dipper
This bird thrives along the park’s cold, fast-moving mountain streams. It dives underwater to catch insects and is known for its distinctive bobbing motion.

Wallcreeper
With crimson wings and butterfly-like flight, the wallcreeper clings to vertical rock faces searching for insects. It adds vivid color to the cliffs and ruins of the highlands.

Snowfinch
This high-mountain bird is well-adapted to snowfields and rocky slopes. It nests in crevices and feeds on seeds and insects during brief alpine summers.

Raven
Often seen gliding above ridgelines or perched on rocky outcrops, the raven is intelligent and adaptable. It feeds on carrion, insects, and seeds and communicates with varied calls.

Alpine Accentor
A subtle but beautiful songbird, the alpine accentor nests among rocks and feeds on insects and seeds. It’s one of the few birds that remain active at high altitudes through cold seasons.

Sarıkamış–Allahuekber Mountains National Park is a landscape shaped by snow, forest, and mountain silence—offering refuge to a remarkable variety of resilient wildlife and birds that endure the extremes of eastern Anatolia’s majestic highlands.