Turkey’s glaciers have fallen victim to the fierce reality of climate change, with statistics from last year showing a shocking scenario. Annual average temperatures in Turkey could increase by as much as 5 to 6 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This raise will be against the averages measured from 1961-1990. The difference is striking. During that time period, the country has lost nearly half of its perennially snow and ice cover. The implications of these changes go far beyond climate-related issues, affecting the health of local ecosystems and nature-based tourism.
In the eastern province of Van, Onur Satir, a professor specializing in geographical information systems at Yuzuncu Yil University, emphasizes the accelerated pace of glacier melt. He notes that “the melting process is faster than we expected,” pointing to significant losses in snow and ice cover in recent years. Things have gotten so bad, that many are making comparisons to the glaciers in the Alps. In a last-ditch attempt to try save them from extinction, some of these glaciers are currently swaddled in white tarpaulins.
Glacial Melting and Rising Temperatures
Now, Turkey is suffering from the most severe effects of climate change with unusual weather, including record-breaking heat waves and drought. A new national record temperature of 50.5 degrees Celsius in Silopi last week further highlights the dangerous and urgent reality of the climate crisis. Another national treasure, the Hakkari mountains, celebrated for their breathtaking vistas and prehistoric glacial topography, are especially threatened. Mount Cilo, standing at 4,135 meters, boasts Turkey’s second-largest glaciers, while Mount Ararat, 250 kilometers north of Hakkari, holds the title for the largest.
Kemal Ozdemir, a 38-year-old mountain guide with 15 years of experience, has witnessed firsthand the rapid changes in his environment. He implores future hikers to avoid walking on glacier ice for their own safety. He calls attention to the need to protect these precious resources just the same. “Do not step on the ice,” he warns, underscoring the alarming decay of the remaining glaciers.
Ozdemir further points out that growing access has played a role in degrading these areas’ glaciers. The creation of new roads has allowed a wave of new vehicles and tourists to access the area, which has melted ice at an accelerated pace. “This region is 40-50 kilometers away from the city, but there was no road in the past. Now, with the construction of the road, more vehicles are coming here,” he explains.
Impact on Ecosystems and Local Communities
Melting glaciers more profoundly usher in environmental changes that cannot be undone merely by reshaping the landscape. Unfortunately, they destroy local ecosystems and communities that rely on glacial waters for survival. Ozdemir observes that “you can see that there are quite a few pieces of glacier in the water right now.” This incredible phenomenon is a dramatic reminder of how quickly glaciers are melting, creating more waterfalls than ever before.
This environmental devastation additionally threatens hikers and tourists who come in droves to enjoy the beauty of these scenic mountains. In July 2023, catastrophe unfolded. In another tragic incident, two hikers were killed when a hidden ice block suddenly collapsed and carried them off. Incidents like this further emphasize the need to focus on safety and conservation first before pushing new infrastructure onto these delicate areas.
With temperatures expected to keep increasing, professionals such as Onur Satir urge preventative measures to save what’s left of the world’s glacial land. He emphasizes that “some places melt faster than other places,” indicating a need for targeted conservation efforts. He acknowledges the challenges posed by limited resources: “We have no opportunity to cover the whole ice area.”
The Road Ahead
Climate change is driving these glaciers’ rapid decline, and what remains of Turkey’s glaciers now hangs in the balance. With temperatures already destined to increase by more than 5 degrees and other existential environmental dangers at play, we must act now to prevent even greater loss. Only through meaningful partnerships between local communities, researchers, and policymakers can we create proactive strategies that protect the beauty of these unique natural wonders.
