Varto (District)

Varto, located in the northern part of Muş Province, is a settlement situated among high mountains. At an elevation of 1,650 meters above sea level, it is the highest district in Muş Province. Surrounding mountains include Bingöl, Şerafettin, and Hanşeref.

Varto experiences a harsh continental climate, characterized by long, extremely cold winters and short, hot summers. Winter temperatures can drop as low as minus 29 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures may rise to 37 degrees Celsius. For 120 days a year, temperatures remain below freezing.

One of the most striking natural features of the region is Hamurpet Lake, located on the Hanşeref Mountains. This crater lake consists of two parts: Büyük Hamurpet and Küçük Hamurpet. Important rivers flowing through the area include Bingöl Çayı, Koşkar Suyu, and Seferek Çayı.

^{Hamurpet Lake (}Anadolu Ajansı⁾

Varto’s history extends thousands of years back to the Urartian period. One of the district’s oldest known names, still used locally, is Gümgüm. The region was granted district status in 1840, and the first district governor was appointed during the Ottoman period.

One of the most significant historical sites illuminating the area’s past is Kayalıdere Ancient City. Also known as “Kale Şehri,” this site was constructed during the reign of Urartian King Sarduri II. Excavations conducted in 1965 uncovered massive stone blocks, a temple, a wine cellar, and small bronze lion statues. Varto adopted its current name in 1923 with the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

^{Kayalıdere Ancient City (}Kültür Portali⁾

The primary livelihood of Varto’s population is animal husbandry, with sheep and cattle raised on pastures. Nomadic beekeeping and trout farming are also practiced in the district. Small dairies in the district center process animal products and produce the famous kaşar cheese.

^{Small Dairies (generated by artificial intelligence)}

Education is highly valued by the people of Varto, and the literacy rate is remarkably high at 93 percent. Major earthquakes struck the district in 1946 and 1966, prompting some families to emigrate abroad, particularly to Germany.