Özkürtün (Gümüşhane)

Özkürtün is a township located in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye, under the jurisdiction of Gümüşhane province. Natural features such as Kürtün Dam Lake, Erikbeli Plateau, and the Saz Area form the geographical structure of the township. Özkürtün stands out for its highland lifestyle, traditional rural settlement pattern, and local social structure. Due to its proximity to the Black Sea coast, Özkürtün is one of the settlements that combine various characteristics of both inland and coastal cultures.

^{Özkürtün - Emre Zengin (Author)}

Özkürtün township, 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 city center of Gümüşhane. Thanks to a road network connected via the Zigana Pass or Doğankent, it is about a 1.5-hour drive from provinces such as Trabzon and Giresun. Due to its location, Özkürtün provides easy access to both highland plateaus in the interior and coastal cities.

The historical roots of Özkürtün extend back to the 16th century. The region was organized as a subdistrict in the 1950s and gained township status in 1992 through the merger of the villages of Cayra, Süme, and Konacık. In 1994, with the inclusion of Karaçukur Neighborhood, it acquired its current administrative structure. Today, it comprises three neighborhoods—Cayra, Süme, and Karaçukur—and is administered by Özkürtün Municipality.

As of 2022, the population of Özkürtün is 2,275. The population increases significantly during the summer months due to the arrival of citizens from abroad and families coming to the plateaus. In this township, where traditional Black Sea village life continues, neighborhood relations and communal activities form the foundation of social life.

The Kürtün Dam, built on the Harşit Creek, has been transformed into a recreational area. The township municipality has installed bungalows, viewing platforms, walking trails, and picnic areas along the shoreline, making the dam a destination for rest and nature observation for both local residents and visitors.

_{Kürtün Dam Lake - Emre Zengin (Author)}

Kadırga Plateau, located within the boundaries of Özkürtün Township in the Kürtün district of Gümüşhane, is a highland noted for its historical and cultural elements. Situated at an elevation of 2,200 meters in the upper reaches of the Black Sea region, one of its structures is an open-air mosque with a history of 563 years. It is known that Fatih Sultan Mehmet held Friday prayers here during his 1461 campaign to Trabzon, and this tradition has continued to the present day. The mosque is designed as an open area enclosed only by two minarets and low stone walls, without a roof. During the summer months, particularly on the third Friday of July during the Otçu Festival, thousands gather on the grass to perform Friday prayers in this mosque.

_{Kadırga Plateau - Anadolu Ajansı}

This historical castle, located in Süme Neighborhood, was built on a natural rock formation and is believed to have been used for surveillance. Although access is difficult, the castle preserves its historical structure and is one of Gümüşhane’s rocky defensive constructions.

Located within the boundaries of Özkürtün, Erikbeli Plateau is situated at the end of the Süme Creek Valley at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters. With a history dating back to the 15th century, the plateau was declared a tourism center by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1991. Its natural water sources, lush vegetation, and clean air make it suitable for camping, hiking, and nature photography.

_{Erikbeli Plateau - Emre Zengin (Author)}

The Saz Area, located along the Erikbeli road, is one of Özkürtün’s natural and cultural heritage sites. This wetland, surrounded by reed beds, lies along migratory bird routes and contributes to local biodiversity. Traditionally used for animal husbandry and grazing, the area is also valued by the local population as a place to spend time immersed in nature. The region has potential for development in ecotourism.

_{Saz Area - Emre Zengin (Author)}

The economy of Özkürtün is primarily based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and financial contributions from the population that migrates abroad. In addition to crops such as maize, beans, cabbage, and potatoes, forest fruits and wild herbs are also utilized in local cuisine. In recent years, with projects supported by the Eastern Black Sea Development Agency (DOKA), the production of regional products such as jams, pickles, and erişte has been encouraged through women’s cooperatives.

The local population continues traditional highland pastoral activities by moving to plateaus during the summer months. Otçu festivals, weddings, and plateau fairs are among the cultural events in the region. Folk music, horon dance, traditional clothing, and local dishes are among the cultural elements observed in Özkürtün.