Driving the paved road to Zigana Pass, snow covered five months a year
Zigana Dagi Geçidi is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,050m (6,725ft) above sea level, located in Gümüşhane Province, near Trabzon Province, in Turkey.
Why was Zigana Pass important?
Zigana Pass was a key route on the historical Silk Road. Traders and travelers used this pass to reach Trabzon, a port that linked Eastern Anatolia and Iran to the west.
Why is it called Zigana Pass?
The pass takes its name from the nearby village of Zigana, a famous skiing destination.
How dangerous is the road through Zigana Pass?
The pass has inspired various songs and folk tales due to its challenges. It has been the site of many accidents, often caused by blizzards and avalanches. The phrase "Si Zigana Ke Zison" (Try to survive in Zigana) was used by trading Greeks to describe the difficulty of navigating this mountainous region. It has a high risk of rock falls.
How long is the road to Zigana Pass?
Set high in the Northern Anatolian Mountains, the road to the summit is fully paved. It’s 25km (15.53 miles) long starting and ending at the main D885 road.
Is Zigana Pass open in winter?
Located in the northeastern part of Turkey, this area has unpredictable and harsh weather. It’s covered in snow for approximately five months a year.
Is Zigana Pass still in use?
Due to the extreme conditions, the Zigana Tunnel was built in 1988 to bypass the pass. The tunnel, located north of the pass, is at an elevation of 1,795m (5,889ft) above sea level and is 1,702m (5,584ft) long. It facilitates the D885 road, part of the European Route 97.
Pic: Emre Erkan