Sarıkamış (District)
Sarıkamış is a fairy-tale place famous for its pure white snow and towering emerald pine trees. Kars, the province to which it belongs, offers children an unparalleled playground during winter with its crystal-clear snow. Have you ever imagined a place where every surface sparkles like a diamond? Let us explore this white world together!
Crystal Snow, Rare on Earth
Sarıkamış’s greatest feature is its crystal snow, a structure found nowhere else on Earth except in the Alps. This type of snow does not stick together because it lacks moisture and disperses like flour when stepped on. When the sun emerges, the snow sparkles as if millions of tiny diamonds are scattered across its surface. This unique snow creates one of the best skiing destinations in the world. In Sarıkamış, snow depth can reach up to two meters in winter and remains on the ground for approximately five months.
Pine Trees Reaching Toward the Sky
The mountains surrounding Sarıkamış are densely covered with a special type of tree known as Sarıçam. These trees derive their name from the golden hue of their bark and can withstand extremely cold temperatures. Their height sometimes exceeds 40 meters, equivalent to a 13-story building. These forests are not only beautiful to behold but also protect the region from avalanche risks. While walking through the forest, you may suddenly encounter a frozen stream or the Keklik Şelalesi, a waterfall cascading from the heights.
Keklik Şelalesi. (Generated by artificial intelligence.)
Traces of the Past and Historical Structures
Sarıkamış has been home to many civilizations since ancient times. In the district stands a wooden building constructed around 120 years ago by the Russians without a single nail, known as the Katerina Köşkü. This structure is one of the finest examples of Baltic architecture in the region. Moreover, Sarıkamış holds a special place in our history, filled with the memories of our heroic soldiers. Every January, ceremonies are held to honor these brave individuals.
Entertainment and Life in Sarıkamış
Life here is highly entertaining in winter! You can ski at Bayraktepe, take rides on horse-drawn sleds, or attend winter festivals. Locals sometimes use sleds and skis instead of cars for transportation during winter.
Horse-drawn sled ride. (Generated by artificial intelligence.)
During summer months, animal husbandry takes place on high plateaus and summer pastures. The small stone shelters built by villagers are locally called "kom".
