EASTERN ANATOLIA REGION
Provinces: Agri,
Ardahan,
Bingol,
Bitlis,
Elazig,
Erzincan,
Erzurum,
Hakkari,
Igdir,
Kars,
Malatya,
Mus,
Tunceli,
Van,
Sivas Divrigi
Sights: Mount Ararat, Akdamar, Ani site, Van Lake, Tigris
The Eastern Anatolia Region is one of seven non-administrative subdivisions of Turkey and encompasses its eastern provinces. It has the highest average altitude, largest area, and lowest population density of all regions of Turkey.
Geography
The average altitude is 2200 m. Major geographic features include plains, plateaus and massifs. There is some volcanic activity today.
Massifs and mountains
There are three massif lines running north-south:
To the north, the Cimen Dagi, Kop Dagi and Yalniz Cam mountains
In the centre, the Munzur, Karasu Dagi, Aras Dagi mountains
To the south, Southeast Taurus, Bitlis, Hakkari, and Buzul mountains.
The volcanic mountains Nemrut, Suphan, Tendurek and Ararat are in the region.
Plateaus and plains
The largest plateau in the region is Erzurum-Kars Plato.
The region includes the Malatya, Elazig, Bingol, Mus plains and the Van Lake basin.
Climate and nature
Since most of the region is far from the sea, and has high altitude, it has a long winter and short summer periods. During the winter, it is cold and snowy, during summer the weather is cool in the highlands and hot in the lowlands. The region has the lowest average temperature of all Turkish regions.(-25°C) The summer average is about 20°C.
The region's annual temperature difference is the highest in Turkey.
Some areas in the region have different microclimates. As an example Igdir (near Mount Ararat) has a very warm climate.
The region contains 11% percent of the total forested area of Turkey. Oak and yellow pine trees form the majority of the forests. It is rich in native plants and animals.
The region has high potential for hydroelectric power.
MOUNTAINS IN EASTERN ANATOLIA REGION
