Ardahan

Ardahan

About

Ardahan province, on May 27, 1992 issued by law, the Republic of Turkey was founded as a 75th province. The researches made in Ardahan Castle reveal the ruins belonging to the Old Bronze Age in the region. Its old name is Artan. Ardahan Castle has protected the Ottoman lands against the attacks coming from the Caucasus for many years. The region, which was given to Russia by the 1878 Ayastefanos Treaty, was taken back with the 1918 Brest-Litovsk Treaty. The settlement suffered the invasion of Georgian on April 26, 1919, on 23 February 1921 participated in the territory of Turkey.

The silhouette of the Great Leader Ataturk falling on the Damal Mountains was first seen in 1952 by a citizen named Adıgüzel Kırmızıgül from the village of Yukarı Gündeş in Damal. Later, photographers of the silhouette were taken by photographer Erdoğan Kumru and sent to the General Staff, together with the negatives. These photographs, which became official, were exhibited for the first time in Anıtkabir. From the 15th of June until the 15th of July every year, from 18 o'clock, this silhouette of Atatürk on the ridges of Montenegro is followed for approximately 20 minutes.

Transportation by land and air is possible. Districts; Çıldır, Damal, Göle, Hanak, Posof.

CLIMATE

It has a continental climate with long, hard and snowy winters, and short and cool summers. It is only around 900 m. Posof district, located at an altitude, has microclimatic climatic conditions, winters are mild and rainy, and summers are hot.

HISTORY

The province of Ardahan has a history of about 3000 years, and in 628 A.D., it was captured by the Arda Turks, a branch of the Caspian Turks, and took the name Ardahan. It was conquered by Alparslan in 1068 after Christ and passed under the sovereignty of the Seljuks, and was included in the Ottoman Empire by Kanuni Sultan Süleyman with the Amasya agreement signed on 29 May 1555.

At the end of the 1876 -1877 Ottoman-Russian war, Ardahan was left to the Russians with Kars and Batumi as war compensation with the Berlin agreement of 13 July 1878, and in 1918, with the Brest - Litowsk agreement, Ardahan attained the Motherland; However, on October 30, 1918, the conditions of the Mondros Armistice were rejected by the National Shura Government established in Ardahan, the National Council government was integrated with our War of Independence and our province was liberated on February 23, 1921 by our army under the command of Kazım Karabekir Pasha and Halit Pasha.

Kazım Karabekir Pasha "The Straits are our Throat, Kars-Ardahan Our Backbone." He emphasized how strategically important Ardahan is for our country.

Ardahan, which became a province after the proclamation of the Republic, was connected to Kars Province in 1926 by making a district with Law No. 877. It started to operate on 27.05.1992 as a province of Ardahan.

General Information

Ardahan has a continental climate. The days in winter are very long and cold. The cold continues until May. Ardahan, Tunceli, Bayburt and Gumushane after Turkey is one of the smallest cities. Ardahan is a corner of heaven with its own unique, natural and historical values, plains, streams and wonderful springs.

Ardahan consists of local people who are devoted to their traditions. However, since many civilizations have come and gone from Ardahan, it has changed many times and has recently adopted the Turkish-Islamic culture. In the dressing of the people of Ardahan, the influences of the Caucasus, Turkmens and Azerbaijanis are seen. Education in Ardahan is much more developed than neighboring provinces and the education level is high.

Economy

The basis of the economy in Ardahan is agriculture and animal husbandry. The nature, meadows and plateaus of Ardahan are very suitable for animal husbandry and have been one of the factors that have enabled the development of animal husbandry. The animal species that are mostly fed are sheep and cattle. Agriculture in Ardahan has not developed much due to unsuitable weather conditions. However, wheat, barley and rye are grown, albeit a little.

About the city:

Ardahan, located at the intersection of Eastern Anatolia and Eastern Black Sea, is a city surrounded by natural beauties. Kars on one side, Artvin on one side and Georgia on the other, its neighbor to which it shares the same river. Ardahan, which has the beauty of every region, has the most beautiful routes for you to go on a nature trip.

How many days is it visited? : You can visit Ardahan in an average of 3 days.

The best time to visit: Since the cold weather in Ardahan lasts from September to May, the best time to travel will be the summer months.

Airport / Central transportation: To reach Ardahan by air, you should choose Kars Airport, which is the closest airport to the city. There is only 93 kilometers between Ardahan and Kars Airport; The journey takes about 1 hour.

Devil's Castle

Devil Castle, one of the first to come to mind when talking about places to visit in Ardahan, is also one of the most important structures that symbolize the city! Şeytan Castle is located in Yıldırımtepe village of Çıldır district of Ardahan. Situated 1.3 km north of the village center, on a rocky hill on the right bank of a stream, the castle has a breathtaking view with cliffs on three sides.

This castle in the historical Eruşeti region from the Middle Ages is referred to as "Kacistsihe" (Devil Castle) in Georgian sources. It has survived until today by preserving this name. In some sources, it is claimed that "Kacta Tsihe", mentioned in the epic called The Man with the Tiger Skin, written by the famous Georgian poet Shota Rustaveli in the 12th century, is not Alamut Castle but Satan Castle. Şeytan Kalesi (Devil Castle), as one of the most visited places in Ardahan, manages to attract thousands of tourists every way.

The lighting system of the castle, which has recently been renewed with restoration works, was developed; It is possible to add a viewing terrace to the castle. Since the castle is located at a steep spot, it can only be reached by a pathway. This road is also planned to be transformed into a walking path that visitors can use comfortably. You should definitely see the Devil Castle, which reveals the magnificent view of the vast mountains of Ardahan, up close.

Ataturk Silhouette

It would not be possible if we did not add this sightseeing point of Ardahan, which is the scene of a very interesting view, to our list of places to visit in Ardahan. Located in Damal district, half an hour away from Ardahan city center, the silhouette was first discovered by the village shepherd in 1954.

After the photographs are sent to the General Staff, you can participate in the Damal Festival held in July every year in the protected area.

Ardahan Castle

Historical Ardahan Castle, one of the most important symbols of the city, should be number one in the list of places to visit. The building, which will attract your attention with its architectural structure and mystical energy when you come to the city, is one of the most important structures left in the city from the Ottoman period.

Although it was built on an older structure, the castle, which is considered to be a 16th century work, is located by the river and on a very pleasant sightseeing point.

Address: Halilefendi, Şehitler Cd. No: 24, 75000 Ardahan Merkez / Ardahan

Opening hours: 08.00 - 18.00 * Open every day. Admission free

Karagöl - Sahara National Park

This natural wonder national park, which will make everyone dream of being there, even with its visuals, is actually connected to the province of Artvin. However, since you can easily go to the national park on the border with Ardahan, we wanted to add it to our list. Ardahan 1-hour ride from the city center you can reach when you perform national parks, nature is regarded as one of Turkey's great value.

The area, which was accepted as a national park in 1994, is located in the Şavşat district of Artvin. If you will not go with your own vehicle, there are Sahara Plateau and Şavşat Karagöl in the national park, which you can reach by village buses after arriving in Şavşat district. Many activities can be done in the plateau, from hiking to picnics. Especially in the summer months, the surroundings of Karagöl are full of tourists.

There is no facility for you to stay in the national park. However, you can stay in the villages of Artvin that are close to the park, or you can camp with a tent or caravan in the camping area opened by the restaurant business in the national park. When you want to set up a tent, you have to pay an average rent of 25 - 30 TL to the facility. You can also meet your bathroom and toilet needs at your accommodation.

Another unforgettable activity you can do when you come to the lake is the lake tour with the rental boats on the lake for 20 TL for 20 minutes. While sailing on the Dupduru lake, you can admire the wonders of nature, and watch the increasing numbers of goldfish that were dropped into the lake years ago.

Accommodation facilities and fees in Karagöl National Park: Tent place (daily) 25 TL - Caravan place (daily) 25 TL - Country house with 2 beds (daily) 135 TL - Country house with 3 beds (daily) 160 TL - Country house with 4 beds (daily) 200 TL - Country house with 5 beds (daily) 240 TL - Country house with 6 beds (daily) 295 TL - Guest house (daily) 65 TL

Address: Şavşat - Ardahan road, 08790 Şavşat / Artvin

Tel: (0466) 212 14 45 Working hours: 24 hours open

Entrance fee: Person 4 TL - Discount 2 TL - Bicycle 4 TL - Motorcycle and ATV 6 TL - Automobile, Van and Pickup 12 TL - Minibus 36 TL - Midibus 60 TL - Bus 108 TL

Cemal Tural Nature Park

Cemal Tural Nature Park, located within the borders of Çamlıçatak Village, is located 5 km from the city center. In addition to containing many plants and trees, you can even come across animal varieties. One of the reasons why this place is preferred frequently; You can have a picnic and even have most of the things you will need for a picnic.

You can breathe in its fresh air, go for a trekking, ride a bike. Apart from these beauties, your children are also considered and there is a playground for them. While the meats are being cooked on the barbecue, your children can spend time without getting bored.

During the summer months, "Honey Festival" is organized and various activities are held. If you coincide with your trip in summer, you can join these entertainments. Let's also add that there are camping areas here. Whether you camp with your own tent or camp with a caravan ...

Cemal Tural Nature Park accommodation and fees: Tent Place for 4 People (Daily) 17 TL - Caravan Place (Daily) 23 TL

Address: Ardahan - Çıldır Yolu, 75000 Çamlıçatak, Ardahan Center / Ardahan

Tel: (0312) 207 50 00 Working hours: 08.00 - 00.00 * Open every day

Entrance fee: Person 3 TL - Discounted Person 1.5 TL - Bicycle 3 TL - Motorcycle 4.5 TL - Automobile, Light Truck and Pickup 9 TL - Minibus 27 TL - Midibus 45 TL - Bus 81 TL

Yalnızçam Ski Center

Ardahan, one of the cities in the Eastern Anatolia Region, which has not fallen off the agenda with its contributions to winter tourism in recent years, draws attention with the Yalnızçam Ski Center. Located 13 kilometers from the city center, Yalnızçam Ski Resort was opened in 2018 with the support of the European Union. The ski center is home to ski runs and ski lifts that are suitable for both holidaymakers and professional athletes.

Yalnızçam Ski Center has a 4-kilometer-long main track and two side tracks, one of which is 1.5 kilometers and the other is 600 meters long. The main track is a track created for athletes who are professional in skiing; The side runways have features that amateurs can ski easily. In addition, the center has a 3-kilometer-long, state-of-the-art chairlift line with a carrying capacity of 800 people per hour.

Located on Uğurludağ at an altitude of 2750 meters, Yalnızçam Ski Center increases its popularity every year and continues to host its visitors without slowing down. In fact, as of the 2020 winter season, visitors are provided with free transfer service from Kars Airport to the Yalnızçam ski center, regardless of the number of days of accommodation.

Address: 75000 Yalnızçam, Ardahan Center / Ardahan

Opening hours: open 24 hours

Akçakale Island

One of the natural wonder places on our list is the historical Akçakale Island in Çıldır district. This site, which hosts very important historical artifacts and excavations with its 10 thousand years of history, has recently become one of the frequently visited places for wedding photo shoots.

Situated next to Çaldır Lake, the island is connected to the land with a small road. You can go to the island, which is also a residential area, with a nice walk, and after taking great photos, you can also visit the historical excavation areas.

Address: 75402 Akçakale, Çıldır / Ardahan

Bülbülan Plateau

We continue our Ardahan sightseeing exploration with Bülbülan Plateau, one of the places where you can feel the lush nature of the city in the best way. Located on the border of Ardahan and Artvin, this wonderful highland is located 40 km from the city center.

The plateau, which shows the natural characteristics of the region because it is located on the eastern Black Sea border, is one of the natural places you should definitely visit when you come to Ardahan. If you are one of those who prefer to be alone with nature, you can have a wonderful day on the Bülbülan plateau.

You can perform many activities on the plateau, which is usually visited during the summer months, from nature walks to mountain climbing. If you are lucky, you may come across the Bülbülan Plateau Festival held in the summer every year. You do not have to be in summer to visit the plateau. You can feel yourself in the Alpine Mountains when you see the landscape of the highland covered with white snow.

There is no public transportation available to go to the plateau. You can easily reach the plateau, where you can go with your own private vehicle, by following the Göle - Artvin signs from Ardahan city center.

Address: Bülbülan Pass, 08390 Pass, Ardanuç, Artvin - Ardahan border

Opening hours: open 24 hours

Yalnızçam Plateau

It would not be a lie to say that Yalnızçam Plateau, which is 15 km away from Ardahan city center, forms a bridge between the city and the Eastern Black Sea. The plateau, which you can easily reach with your private vehicle, is located at an altitude of 2715 meters above sea level. When you come to the plateau, you can feel as if you are in a colorful painting, because the colors of the plateau are so beautiful that it is impossible not to be admired.

The plateau, which is frequently visited during the summer months, like other plateaus in Ardahan, is located in the very low population of Yalnızçam Village. Apart from the residents of the village, you can enjoy the nature with your loved ones on this wonderful plateau, which is visited for highland festivals and nature sports in summer.

Address: 75000 Yalnızçam, Ardahan Center / Ardahan

Göle Okçuoğlu Plateau

Another natural wonder plateau in Ardahan is Okçuoğlu Plateau, one of the most beautiful camping areas in the city. Göle Okçuoğlu Plateau, located in Göle district, 40 minutes away from Ardahan city center, is a completely natural plateau without any facilities and accommodation.

The plateau, which is usually visited by mountaineers and nature lovers to camp, offers the most suitable environment for you to be completely alone with nature. In the plateau, where you need to come with your own tent and food, there is no space to meet your needs. In the plateau, where you can reach with your private vehicle, you can take a daily treeking and have a nice day with your loved ones.

Since Okçuoğlu Plateau is also home to wild animals, you may encounter wild animals during your visit and stay. During your stay, we recommend that you seek help from a guide or act with someone who knows the area.

Address: Gole, Ardahan / Turkey

Aktas Lake

Being one of Ardahan's famous sightseeing stops, the lakes attract the attention of visitors with their natural beauty in summer and winter. Located on the border of Ardahan and Georgia, Aktaş Lake is at an altitude of 1798 meters. Since the lake, which is 52 km away from Ardahan center, is close to Çıldır district, you have to go to Çıldır with your private vehicle.

The lake, fed by the surrounding streams, also hosts different bird species of the region. There are no businesses around the lake, which is known as the home of pelicans. However, you can have a nice picnic in the meadows around the lake and watch the birds with pleasure.

Address: Aktas Lake, Ardahan / Turkey

Çıldır Lake

Located on the border of Kars and Ardahan Turkey's most important and the second largest lake in the Wild Lake, is one of the must-see place during your trip Ardahan. Located 45 km from the city center, the lake is located in Çıldır district. Turkey's even welcomes tourists from all over the world lake, a unique natural wonder.

Located at an altitude of 1956 meters above sea level, this large lake stays in the middle of greenery in summer, and freezes almost completely in winter. The tour with horse carriages on the lake, which can be easily visited with an ice depth of more than 1 meter, has also become a classic activity.

You can take a wonderful walk and take photos on the lake, which does not thaw until April, or you can fish by piercing the ice with the guidance of the fishermen.

Address: Wild Lake, Ardahan / Turkey

Fish Lake

This tiny but wonderful lake that decorates our article is Fish Lake. Located in Posof district, 1 hour away from Ardahan city center, this lake is located in the northern part of Kanlıdağ. During your trip to Ardahan, you can also have a nice fishing activity as the lake, which is one of the points you can visit while visiting the surrounding districts, is famous for its trout and beavers.

Address: Fish Lake, Ardahan - Agri way over, Turkey

Suatan Waterfall

When you come to Ardahan, Suatan Waterfall is perhaps the most difficult to reach among the sightseeing stops you can visit. The waterfall is located in Şavşat district of Artvin, but since it is 45 km from Ardahan, it is at a distance that you can easily go by car. However, the difficulty part is not the part of the vehicle. You need to take a 2-hour hike to reach the waterfall from the place where you had to leave your vehicle.

You can enjoy nature in this two-hour period, which can be quite fun and enjoyable for those who love treeking and nature exploration. Before you reach the area where the waterfall is located, you will come across the accommodation area of ​​the clergy who lived in the Middle Ages, known as the historical Tamara Rooms. After about 15 km, you can reach the peaceful Suatan Waterfall, pouring from a height of 60 meters.

You need to reach Aşağı Koyunlu Village in Artvin's Şavşat district in order to set off on the road that reaches the waterfalls. You can only reach the waterfall by a specially built pathway from the village.

Address: 08 790 Kirazli, Savsat, Artvin - Ardahan Road, Turkey

Kısır Mountain

The landscape you see does not belong to a desert in America. The foothills of Kısır Mountain, which has a very large area in Ardahan, Çıldır district. Located 30 km from the city center, the mountain is known as one of the highest mountains in Eastern Anatolia.

There are no facilities or businesses where you can spend time in the area and foothills of the mountain. However, if you want to take a discovery tour by listening to music on a quiet and calm road with your personal vehicle and take great photos on the road, Kısır Mountain is one of the most suitable areas.

Address: 75000 Gölbelen, Çıldır / Ardahan

Kura River

Known as one of the longest rivers in the region with a length of 1515 km, Kura River is one of the symbols of Ardahan city. However, the river is not only found in Ardahan. Traveling throughout Georgia, the river is located in a border region. The river, which originates from Göle district of the city, ends by joining the sea of ​​Azerbaijan.

When talking about such a large lake, you can guess more or less the air it adds to the cities it is located in. The river, of which approximately 76 kilometers is located in Ardahan, reveals a very beautiful view with its bridges on the ground and its frozen appearance in winter.

Address: Kura River, Kür Stream, Güle / Ardahan