karzehirlerine

Karzehir is a small village situated in the district of Şebinkarahisar, within the Gümüşhane Province of northeastern Turkey. Located in a rugged part of the Pontic Mountains, the village sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level and is accessed via a winding mountain road that connects it with the provincial capital. Its geographic position gives it a harsh, continental climate, characterized by long, snowy winters and mild, short summers, which influences both the local lifestyle and agricultural practices.

The earliest records of Karzehir trace back to the late Ottoman period, when it was primarily a pastoral settlement engaged in sheep and goat husbandry. Over the twentieth century, the community expanded modestly but retained its small‑scale, agrarian character. The population, according to the most recent census data, is around 400 residents, most of whom are ethnic Turks with a small representation of older, indigenous groups that have lived in the region for centuries.

Economically, the village remains largely dependent on animal husbandry, with dairy products being a notable output. Small-scale forestry and occasional fruit cultivation—mainly apples and cherries—also contribute to the local economy. In recent years, local authorities have promoted eco‑tourism, highlighting the pristine mountain environment, traditional stone architecture, and traditional clothing worn during local festivals.

Culturally, Karzehir’s residents preserve several folk traditions, including a distinctive form of folk dancing and a local variant of Turkish classical music that incorporates regional melodies. These cultural expressions are often showcased during annual harvest festivals, which attract visitors from neighboring villages and contribute to a sense of communal identity. The community is administered by a muhtar (village head) and a village council, which oversee local affairs and coordinate with provincial authorities for infrastructure development.