Mount Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey with a height of 5,137 meters, is home to numerous wild animals and plant species in its unique nature. To explore the plant species on the mountain and contribute to the scientific world, a study has been initiated with the support of TÜBİTAK, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Tuncay Dirmenci from Balıkesir University.
The study will focus on the known species above 3,000 meters on the northeastern slopes of Mount Ararat. The goal is to discover and document new plant species in the mountain with high altitude and different soil structure.
Prof. Dr. Dirmenci emphasized that Mount Ararat hosts special plant species due to its geographical richness. He mentioned that the elevation of the mountain, being of volcanic origin, allows it to host unique plants that are not commonly found at elevations above 3,000 meters in other parts of Turkey or neighboring countries.
Dirmenci also highlighted that the mountain’s elevation and climate conditions support a variety of species. He mentioned that Mount Ararat, with its elevation-dependent special plants and a climate similar to the Mediterranean in certain areas, provides a diverse range of plants and agricultural products.
He further suggested that ecotourism activities could be developed in the region where special plants grow, such as in Iğdır north of the mountain, known for the cultivation of apricots and cotton due to the fertility of the soil. The region is home to unique endemic plants that have not yet received the recognition they deserve in terms of biological diversity.
In conclusion, Mount Ararat, with its rich flora and elevation-based flora, offers a promising opportunity for scientific research and tourism development. The ongoing study by Prof. Dr. Dirmenci and his team supported by TÜBİTAK aims to explore and document the diverse plant species on the mountain, contributing to the understanding and conservation of the unique ecosystem of Turkey’s highest peak.
