Characteristics of harsh continental climate is observed in Kars Province, which is located on the high, yet relatively flat, Kars-Ardahan plateau at an altitude of 2.000 in average, due to its current topographical characteristics. Current livelihood in the province compulsorily depends on livestock raising and economy, because of the above-mentioned condition of the province, which results in the restriction of many human and economic activities. While mostly core products are generated as a

more »

... esult of that activity, Kars Kashar Cheese is the most outstanding value-added product of the province. Kars Kashar Cheese has been registered as a geographical symbol in consequence of the production features, method and taste of the cheese, which vary according to the similar cheese types, because of the current natural environmental, human and cultural characteristics of the province. Annual production rate of Kars Kashar Cheese, produced mostly by using the traditional production techniques at 47 manufacturing plants and factories located in the rural and urban areas of the province, is around 9.000 tons.