MEDİNE MAMEDOĞLU

 Colemêrg (Hakkari)- Mount Cilo located in the Gever (Yüksekova) district of Colemêrg (Hakkari) is the second highest mountain in the region at 3,400 meters above sea level. The mountain is thought to have been formed millions of years ago, during the ice age and it has glaciers that do not melt in four seasons. It is famous for its valley of heaven and hell and natural beauty.

In winter, the mountain turns white after heavy snowfall and it turns green with the arrival of spring. The valley is a frequent destination for kochers (English: nomads) in the summer and has historical importance for the Kurdish people. On our way to the valley, we met Fatma, one of the female dengbej (Kurdish storytellers). Her songs called, “Koçere” and “Narine lawjeleri” added beauty to the beauty of Mount Cilo.

 Mount Cilo polluted by ‘sightseeing tours’

Mount Cilo was famous for its glaciers that did not melt in all four seasons; however, climate change also affects the mountain. Its glaciers have been melting faster than previous years. The mountain was closed to civilians for years for ‘security’ reasons. After being declared as a “national park”, the area opened to tourism. However, the recent “sightseeing tours” have polluted the mountain due to trash left by tourists.

The Hakkari Governor’s Office has taken no measures to protect the natural beauty of Mount Cİlo, except putting signs reading, “Do Not Throw Trash” and “Wear Your Hiking Shoes”.