01.02.2025 12:50
In the village of Kasaplar, connected to Sivas, there are only 2 seasons instead of 4 in a year, and there is no shortage of snow for 6 months of the year. The village head, which has 53 households, stated, "Here, we only experience winter and summer. Until mid-September, everywhere is green. By the time November comes, snowfall starts again."
Located near the summit of Kızıldağ in the Imranlı district of Sivas, the village of Kasaplar, at an altitude of 2,190 meters, experiences 6 months of winter and 6 months of summer each year.
Kasaplar village, situated 32 kilometers from the center of Imranlı, was relocated to its current area in the 1970s due to a landslide in the old settlement. The village, which has a total of 53 households, is the only village close to the summit of Kızıldağ. During the intense winters, the snow depth can sometimes reach 2 meters, and due to its geographical location, the village retains its snow cover for a long time. Covered in a white blanket in November, Kasaplar village maintains its snow mass until May. While other villages experience spring and summer, Kasaplar village only experiences winter and summer due to the late melting of the snow cover. Known as the village with the longest-lasting snow cover, Kasaplar is experiencing one of its driest seasons this year. In the region, where snowfall has been insufficient compared to previous years, the snow thickness is around 50 centimeters. Due to unfavorable climatic conditions, sufficient agriculture cannot be carried out in the village, which is prominent for honey production and livestock farming.
"WE ARE USED TO 2 METERS OF SNOW" The village headman Gülağa Turan (42) stated that the number of households in the village drops to 4 during winter, saying, "Winter begins here towards the end of November, the white blanket covers the area, and it continues until May. In fact, it is seen that it snows even in mid-May. However, this year, winter is a bit less. This year, the snow has reached a maximum of 50 centimeters. We are used to 2 meters of snow. In this regard, we can say that the season is dry. This is not good for us. Right now, there is snow in our village, but we do not call it snow because it is very little. For the first time in my life, I see such a low level of snow in the village. Last year, it didn't snow much, but there was still snow close to 2 meters. If there were a bit more precipitation, it would be good for us. In the summer months, all 53 households are filled. In the summer, we have citizens coming from big cities. Our population rises to around 450-500 here. During the intense winters, our lives are somewhat restricted. The road conditions and our distance to the summit can be a bit problematic, but we still want snow. Snowfall is good for us. It is essential not to have water shortages in the summer. When our households are full, we have water problems because we are at a high altitude," he said.
"WE ONLY EXPERIENCE SUMMER AND WINTER" Headman Turan stated that they only experience summer and winter, saying, "We have this advantage. While other villages are covered in land between July and August, our grasses are just starting to green. We do not experience autumn at all. In autumn, we live spring and summer together. In other words, we only experience winter and summer here. Until mid-September, everything is green. By the time November comes, snowfall starts again. We are very satisfied with our life in the village. We are happy to stay in the village. Clean air, healthy living, organic nutrition... The village is better for us," he expressed.