Rising majestically above the plains of central Anatolia lies Erciyes Mountain, located just north of Kayseri province. Towering over 3,916 m (12,848 ft) , its dormant volcanic cone experiences snowy winters and pleasant summers. Surrounding Erciyes, mountain cliffs and slopes sustain diverse pine forests and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. Glacial valleys feed rivers nourishing agriculture in towns below.
Rising from the central Anatolian plains northwest of Niğde lies the montane region known as Demirkazık Dağları, or the Mountains of Demirkazık. Reaching elevations of around 3,756 m (12,323 ft), this rugged range experiences hot dry summers and cool winters. Surrounding the Demirkazık Mountains, scrub-covered foothills sustain seasonal agriculture and grazing. Wooded valleys contain historical settlements. Within the mountains, protected gray..