Kajmakčalan

Kajmakčalan
Voras
The Serbian-built Saint Elijah Orthodox chapel atop Kajmakčalan
Highest point
Elevation
Prominence
Listing	Ultra
Coordinates
Geography
Kajmakčalan Location in Greece (on border with Republic of Macedonia)
Location	Greece–Republic of Macedonia border
Parent range	Voras Mountains

Kajmakčalan (Kaimakchalan) or Kaimaki or Kaimaktsalan or Voras (Greek: Καϊμακτσαλάν or Καϊμάκι or Βόρας, Macedonian: Каjмакчалан, Kajmakčalan) is a mountain on the border between Greece and the Republic of Macedonia. It is the southernmost and highest peak, 2,524 metres (8,281 ft), of a range known in Greek as the Voras Mountains and in Macedonian as Nidže. The frontier between the two countries runs across the summit. It is the third highest peak in Greece after Mytikas and Smolikas and the fifth highest in the Republic of Macedonia.

Etymology

The word "Kaimaktsalan" is of Ottoman Turkish origin inspired by its white, snowy peak: kaymakçalan means 'kaimak beater'.

Geology

The peak consists of granite, gneiss and mica.

History

During World War I, in September 1916, the Battle of Kajmakčalan between Serbian and Bulgarian troops took place at Kajmakčalan and around the adjacent peaks, resulting in a Serbian victory. There is a small church and crypt for the Serbian soldiers who died in the battle. Near the top of the mountain, on the Greek side, there is a small church named Profitis Ilias (Greek: Προφήτης Ηλίας).

See also

• List of European ultra prominent peaks