Gumushane Attractions
Black Sea region (central East Pontus)
Despite its former standing as a summer resort for the wealthy of Trabzon, Gümüshane is rather a provincial town. Squeezed into the narrow valley of the upper Harsit Çayi, against a backdrop of impressive East Pontus mountain scenery, it has little scope for development. The economically backward and disadvantaged region in which it lies has one of the highest rates of outward migration of any in Turkey. Gümüshane is located in the midst of a very old mining district. Its name means "silver works".
History
In the 17th century Gümüshane was sited 4km/2.5mi south of the present town, nearer to the silver mines. Marco Polo mentions these mines in his "Travels". Lack of firewood for smelting led to their decline in the early 19th century In 1837 the town consisted of an (upper) Old Town close to the silver mines, and a newer settlement lower down. By 1870 the mines, which had been worked in the time of the Pontic kings as well as of the Roman and Byzantine emperors, were flooded. The deterioration of the Old Town, laid out like an amphitheater, was hastened by the Russian occupation of 1915.
Despite its former standing as a summer resort for the wealthy of Trabzon, Gümüshane is rather a provincial town. Squeezed into the narrow valley of the upper Harsit Çayi, against a backdrop of impressive East Pontus mountain scenery, it has little scope for development. The economically backward and disadvantaged region in which it lies has one of the highest rates of outward migration of any in Turkey. Gümüshane is located in the midst of a very old mining district. Its name means "silver works".
History
In the 17th century Gümüshane was sited 4km/2.5mi south of the present town, nearer to the silver mines. Marco Polo mentions these mines in his "Travels". Lack of firewood for smelting led to their decline in the early 19th century In 1837 the town consisted of an (upper) Old Town close to the silver mines, and a newer settlement lower down. By 1870 the mines, which had been worked in the time of the Pontic kings as well as of the Roman and Byzantine emperors, were flooded. The deterioration of the Old Town, laid out like an amphitheater, was hastened by the Russian occupation of 1915.
Yagmurdere
About 18km/11mi southeast of Gümüshane a narrow road runs north into the remote mountain country of the Kalkanli Daglari. Driving through this region of impressive scenery and traditional Pontic villages, some quite well preserved churches can be seen, a legacy of the Greeks who formed the majority of the population here until 1924.
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Zigana Pass
Zigana Pass has both an old route, known for spectacular views along the narrow winding road, and a new, more driver friendly road.
Sadek, Turkey
(Near Gumushane)
From Gümüshane a road goes via the district town of Kelkit to the village of Sadek (about 90km/55mi south), which at one time was the summer seat of the Comnene Emperors of Trebizond. Some relics of this period survive. High above the village are the ruins of a fortress. Remains of a Roman aqueduct are found nearby.
Torul, Turkey
(Near Gumushane)
Above the small town of Torul, once known as Ardasa, the ruins of a medieval fortress, Ardasa Kalesi, perch on a ledge just before the Harsit gorge. Torul is another place where, prior to 1850, silver mines were still being worked. In the valleys and villages between the Çit Deresi and the Ikisu Deresi, southeast of the town, there are numerous churches and monasteries.
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