Ardahan Newspaper | Since 1995 |
The famous natural silhouette of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has begun to form on the slopes of the Karadag Mountains in Ardahan's Damal district for the 2026 season.
Natural "Ataturk Silhouette" Begins to Form in Ardahan Once Again
The natural silhouette of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, which forms every year on the foothills of the Karadag Mountains in the Damal district of Ardahan, has once again become visible for June and July
Discovered in 1954 This unique natural phenomenon was first noticed in 1954 by Adıgüzel Kırmızıgül, a local shepherd in the Yukarı Gündeş village. The phenomenon gained nationwide recognition across Turkey after a photograph taken by Erdoğan Kumru in 1975 was sent to the Turkish General Staff.
Celebrated Annually with Festivals
The spectacular silhouette can be observed on cloudless days between 17:50 and 18:10 from early June until the end of July. To celebrate this breathtaking natural occurrence, the region has been hosting the traditional "Damal Festivals in the Footsteps and Shadow of Ataturk" every year during June or July since 1995
