Mount Erciyes (Erciyes Dağı)

Central Anatolia, Turkey 1 tours visit here

Mount Erciyes (Erciyes Dağı) is a dormant stratovolcano in Central Anatolia, rising to 3,917 metres just south of Kayseri and forming the highest peak in the region. Its cone carries snow for much of the year and is visible far across the plateau; on clear days it sits on the horizon behind the valleys of Cappadocia. Known in antiquity as Argaeus, it was the landmark of the Roman city of Caesarea and appeared on its coinage. The volcano is part of Cappadocia's geological story. Eruptions from Erciyes, together with Hasandağı and other Central Anatolian volcanoes, laid down the thick ash and tuff layers that erosion later carved into the valleys and fairy chimneys around Göreme. Today the northern slopes hold Erciyes Ski Resort, one of Turkey's largest winter-sports centres, with a wide spread of pistes, gondolas and chairlifts reached from the Tekir plateau. The ski season runs through the winter into early spring, while in summer the mountain draws walkers, climbers and day visitors from Kayseri who come for the cooler air and long views. The summit is a serious mountaineering objective rather than a hike, usually attempted with a guide and proper equipment.