Kop Dağı Geçidi: Driving the paved D915 Road to Erzurum
Kop Dağı Geçidi is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,423m (7,949ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between the Bayburt and Erzurum provinces in eastern Turkey. Part of the D915 highway, it is the main road for trucks and vans moving between the Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia. The road has high-traffic.
| Road facts: Kop Dağı Geçidi | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bayburt / Erzurum border, Turkey |
| Elevation | 2,423 m (7,949 ft) |
| Length | 24.9 km (15.47 miles) |
| Road Number | D915 |
Where is the Kop Dağı Geçidi road located?
The 24.9 km pass runs north-south, connecting Çalıdere in Bayburt with Bozburun in Erzurum. This route was a key defensive point during the 1916 Coruh Basin resistance. At the summit, the Kop Martyrs Monument, built in 1963 with cut stone and marble, marks the highest point of the ridge. The D915 is constantly used by heavy freight traffic, which often breaks the asphalt surface during the freeze and thaw cycles.
Is the road to Kop Dağı Geçidi paved?
The D915 is entirely paved, but the road is full of deep ruts and potholes caused by heavy trucks and harsh winters. The climb is steep and requires significant torque, especially at 2,423 meters where engines lose power due to the thin air. Because the road is often blocked by landslides and heavy snow, a new tunnel is being built to bypass the most dangerous switchbacks at the top of the pass.
What services are available at the summit of Kop Dağı Geçidi?
The summit of Kop Dağı Geçidi is a necessary stop for drivers. Near the memorial, there is a bar-restaurant that serves as a shelter during sudden winter blizzards. It is a vital spot to check the engine and let the brakes cool down before the long descent toward Erzurum. The area is usually crowded with furgonetes and heavy trucks taking a break from the steep climb.
How dangerous is driving Kop Dağı Geçidi in winter?
Driving Kop Dağı Geçidi in winter is a high-risk task. The pass is known for "viran," intense mountain winds that pile up snow and close the D915 for days. Black ice covers the shaded sections of the road. Chains and winter tires are mandatory to clear the steep ramps. If the weather turns, the lack of shelter between the summit and the lower villages makes any mechanical breakdown dangerous.