| Gümüşhane | |
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| — District — | |
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  Gümüşhane
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| Coordinates: 40°28′N 39°29′E / 40.467°N 39.483°E | |
| Country |  Turkey |
| Region | Black Sea |
| Province | Gümüşhane |
| Area | |
| - District | 1,789 km2 (690.7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,227 m (4,026 ft) |
| Population (2000)[1] | |
| - District | 46,656 |
| - Density | 26.08/km2 (67.5/sq mi) |
| - Urban | 30,270 |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
| - Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
| Postal code | 29xxx |
| Area code(s) | 406 |
| Licence plate | 29 |
| Website | www.gumushane.bel.tr |
Gümüşhane is a city and the capital district of Gümüşhane Province in the Black Sea region of Turkey. The city lies along the Harşit River, at an elevation of 5,000 feet (1,500 m), about 40 miles (65 km) southwest of Trabzon. According to the 2000 census, population of the district is 46,656 of which 30,270 live in the urban center of Gümüşhane.[1][2] The district covers an area of 1,789 km2 (691 sq mi),[3] and the town lies at an elevation of 1,227 m (4,026 ft).
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Name
The name literally means "silver house". It is composed of Turkish: gümüş (silver) and the Persian: خانه hane=khane (House). The name is derived from the silver mines nearby. In Byzantine times the area which the city belongs was called Chaldia. After the Greek Revivalism in the area in 1850's the city was called Greek Argyròpolis (silver town), by the intellectuals of the city. The ancient Greek name of the city was Θήρα (Thera) meaning, gate or doorway.
Geography
Gümüşhane is surrounded by high mountains, Zigana-Trabzon Mountains to the north, Çimen Mountains to the south, Giresun Mountains to the west and Pulur, Soğanlı Mountains to the east. Trekking is popular sport is at these mountains. The Zigana Mountain has a ski center on it and it is a well known touristic place for winter sports. Abdal Musa Peak (3331 m.) is the highest peak within it. The main trees in the forests are Scotch pine and fir, and there are many animals and birds in the area. There are many lakes such as Karanlık Göl, Beş Göller, Artebel Gölü, Kara Göller which are at the peak of Gavurdağı Mountain, and are preserved as natural parks. These all mountains compose 56% of the area of Gümüşhane province.
Features
Gümüşhane has a rich historical background so there are many historical places, mosques, churches, castles. Ancient city of Satala in the modern village of Sadak was the most important military camp of the ancient Roman Empire in the east. This place was ruled by the Hittites, Assyrians, Romans, and Byzantines. Today, rests of the Sadak village is protected by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In addition, Süleymaniye Mosque is in the previous Gümüşhane settlement and it was commissioned by the Ottoman sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Küçük Mosque and Çit Village Mosque are some of other popular mosques in the city. Besides, there are numerous churches within Gümüşhane. Santa Çakallı, Santa Terzili, Kalur Rock, Samamoni, and Theodor Churches are some examples of historical churches in Gümüşhane.
There are numerous large and small caves due to the geological structure of Gümüşhane. Karaca Cave is the most popular in Gümüşhane due to its some specific characteristics. The total length of the cave is 150 meters. It is a fossil cave and is located between Torul and Gümüşhane. The waters leaking from the crack system cutting each other. Formation of interesting stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and travertine pools are some features of Karaca Cave.
Gümüşhane is also popular with plateaus hidden between the forests. Zigana, Taşköprü, Artabel, Şiran and Kalis plateaus are some of them and summer festivals are organized every year. Many native tourists join these festivals to entertain and also to shop some regional items or food. Pestil and köme are renowned desserts of Gümüşhane, they are made from mulberry, honey, nut, walnut and milk. In addition to köme and pestil, rosehips, apples, and walnuts are some common natural food and by means of them many different desserts are made in Gümüşhane. It has a rich food culture; mantı, lemis, erişte, borani, kuymak, evelek dolması and siron are some of well known food in Gümüşhane.
Notable natives
- Mahmut Oltan Sungurlu, Turkey's former Justice Minister and Minister of Defense
Notes
- ^ a b Turkish Statistical Institute. "Census 2000, Key statistics for urban areas of Turkey" (in Turkish) (XLS). http://www.die.gov.tr/nufus_sayimi/2000tablo5.xls. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ GeoHive. "Statistical information on Turkey's administrative units". http://www.xist.org/cntry/turkey.aspx?levels=Karadeniz. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ Statoids. "Statistical information on districts of Turkey". http://www.statoids.com/ytr.html. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
References
- Falling Rain Genomics, Inc. "Geographical information on Gümüşhane, Turkey". http://www.fallingrain.com/world/TU/0/Gumushane.html. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. "Mosques, Mausoleums and Churches in Gümüşhane". http://www.kulturturizm.gov.tr/EN/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D31395FB1C5180B6EBD6B0B3F062CA1037C7. Retrieved 2009-03-05.
External links
Media related to Gümüşhane Province at Wikimedia Commons- Governor's official website (Turkish)
- Municipality's official website (Turkish)
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Coordinates: 40°27′37″N 39°28′53″E / 40.46028°N 39.48139°E
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