--- title: Kürtün (District) slug: kurtun-district-cf8d1 url: /detay/kurtun-district-cf8d1 type: article language: English entity: primary: Kürtün (District) type: article disambiguation: Kürtün: Gümüşhane'nin doğal güzellikleriyle dolu tarihi ilçesi. categories: - name: Travel And Tourism slug: seyahat-ve-turizm url: /kategori/seyahat-ve-turizm tags: - SpiderForests - PlateauCulture - RuralTourism - BlackSeaNature - TraditionalCuisine - Kürtün - Gümüşhane author: Emre Zengin created_at: 2025-07-09T09:40:20.989305+03:00 updated_at: 2025-07-11T16:09:16.315255+03:00 image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/07/09/RNZL31M9Ns0bgM1l1t8iOMslu4yUlI8O.jpg --- # Kürtün (District) ## KURE Information Cards ### KURE Information Card: Kürtün (District) ![3.webp](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/07/09/TwC6tspSazykQTSAknagLEqbntXwq28z.webp) *Paintmaps* | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | Mayor(s) | Ahmet Kanat | | Area(s)(Text) | 917 km² | | Climate(s) | Black Sea and continental climate transition | | Province(s) | Gumushane | | Economy(ies) | Agriculture animal husbandry forestry | | Featured Places | Güvende Plateau,Kazikbeli Plateau,Spider Forests | | Culture – Cuisine | Highland festivals corn flour dishes roasted pickles dried fruit pulp bread | | Population (2023) | Apx. 7,500 | ## Article Content Kürtün is a strategically located district west of [Gümüşhane](/en/detay/gumushane-2/llms.txt) , forming a natural gateway between the Black Sea and Central [Anatolia . ](/en/detay/anadolu-4/llms.txt) , Kürtün is one of the region's characteristic settlements with its natural riches, cultural heritage, and traditional lifestyle. Located on the [Trabzon -Gümüşhane highway, the district is surrounded by dense forests and is notable for its high altitude. With its plateaus, natural beauty, and traditional architecture, Kürtün serves as a ](/en/detay/trabzon-2/llms.txt) for both natural harmony and the maintenance of regional culture . ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/07/09/1Qw9m5wbDXIJCrcibI8MqqY8UWcOiEwA.jpg) *Kürtün ( Anadolu Agency )* #### **History** [The history of Kürtün, like](/en/detay/gibi-749510/llms.txt) other settlements in the inland Black Sea region , dates back to ancient times. Throughout history, [the region](/en/detay/bolge-2/llms.txt) was influenced by the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and later, from the 11th century onward , it became [the site](/en/detay/sahne-3/llms.txt) of settlement by [Turkish](/en/detay/turk/llms.txt) tribes . During the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, the Kürtün Valley maintained its strategic position due to its location on military and commercial routes. After the proclamation of the Republic, Kürtün gained sub-district status and became a district in 1990. Today, both traces of historical settlement and traditional lifestyles remain as a reflection of this [historical](/en/detay/tarihsel-2/llms.txt) heritage. #### **Geography and Climate** Kürtün is approximately 60 kilometers from Gümüşhane city center. The district's surface area is 917 km², a large portion of which is covered by [forests](/en/detay/orman-750517/llms.txt) and mountainous terrain. Trabzon province borders the district to the north, and Giresun to the west. Its mountainous [terrain](/en/detay/yapi-2/llms.txt) and forests are among the district's natural assets. Kürtün experiences a transitional climate between the Black Sea and continental climates. Winters are cold and [snowy](/en/detay/kar-5/llms.txt) , while summers are cool and rainy. Annual rainfall in the district exceeds the Turkish average. This [enriches the ](/en/detay/durum-5/llms.txt) , particularly supporting highland agriculture and forestry. #### **Population and Demography** According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the total population of Kürtün district as of 2023 is approximately 7,500. The district's population has been declining over the years due to [migration and limited economic opportunities. A ](/en/detay/goc-2/llms.txt) portion of the population lives in rural areas. The proportion of young [people](/en/detay/nufus/llms.txt) in Kürtün is declining, while the proportion of elderly people is increasing. This situation is a determining factor in planning for social services and healthcare infrastructure. #### **Economy** Kürtün's economic structure is based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and especially forestry. [Hazelnuts](/en/detay/findik-748940/llms.txt) , corn, and [potatoes](/en/detay/patates-748590/llms.txt) are cultivated in the district, along with [small](/en/detay/kucuk-750344/llms.txt) and large [livestock](/en/detay/hayvan-2/llms.txt) farming. Additionally [,](/en/detay/sira-3/llms.txt) lumbering and forestry work in the district's extensive forested areas are important sources of income. The natural products and handmade foodstuffs sold in local markets are important both as sources of income and as part of its cultural heritage. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/07/09/1YN2i9yPUmwQ5rRa5qTkSUEBQyuHcRYP.jpg) *Kurtun Araköy Bread ( Anadolu Agency )* #### **Tourism, Culture and Cuisine** Kürtün, with its plateaus, natural lakes, and hiking trails, is a suitable destination for ecotourism. [The Spider Forests](/en/detay/orumcek-ormanlari/llms.txt) , in particular, are home to some of Türkiye's oldest, largest-trunked spruce and [fir trees. Furthermore, plateaus such as Kazıkbeli, Güvende, and Çıkrıkdüzü preserve the traditional transhumance culture and ](/en/detay/koknar-f8a11/llms.txt) tourist activities during [the summer](/en/detay/yaz-3/llms.txt) months . The district's cultural landscape is shaped by traditional [folk](/en/detay/halk-2/llms.txt) music, plateau festivals, and handicrafts. Kürtün cuisine features local flavors such as cornmeal-based dishes, sautéed pickles, kale with meat, and pestil (a type of fruit paste). ## Academic Sources and References 1. Altunöz, Hakan Burak. “Autumn Scenes from the ‘Spider Forests’ in Gümüşhane.” Anadolu Agency, November 13, 2022. Access Date: April 16, 2025.  https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/yasam/gumushanedeki-orumcek-ormanlarindan-sonbahar-manzaralari-/2736538Altunöz, Hakan Burak. “‘Kurtun Araköy Bread’ is Made from Century-Old Sourdough.” Anadolu Agency, April 13, 2022. Access Date: April 16, 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiyenin-ekmek-kulturu/kurtun-arakoy-ekmegi-bir-asirlik-eksi-mayadan-uretiliyor/2562375Kürtün District Governorship. “Kürtün District History.” Kürtün District Governorship Official Website, 2025. Access Date: April 16, 2025. http://www.kurtun.gov.tr/tarihcePaintmaps. “Turkey Provinces Map – Highlighting Kurtun, Gumushane.” Access date: April 15, 2025.  https://paintmaps.com Uçar, Sinan. “Spider Forests Offer Visitors the Opportunity to Spend Time in Touch with Nature.” Anadolu Agency, June 24, 2024. Access Date: April 16, 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/yasam/orumcek-ormanlari-ziyaretcilerine-dogayla-ic-ice-vakit-gecirme-imkani-sunuyor/3256544