ARTVİN
Artvin is an authentic tourism place that
contains various tourism values with
festivals, it's traditional architecture,
historical churches, fauna and flora riches,
castles and arched bridges, green plateaus,
black roses, crater lakes placed at highs of
mountains, natural virgin forests, mountains
heights to 3900 meter arrange order by
following each other, perpendicular sloped
long valleys and Çoruh river divide province
in two parts.
Area: 7.436 km²
Population: 212.833 (1990)
Traffic Code: 08
Districts : Ardanuç, Arhavi, Borçka, Hopa,
Murgul, Şavşat, Yusufeli.
How to Get
Artvin is reachable by roadway from every
where of Türkiye. Coach Station Tel : +90
(466) 5114949
Port Tel : (+90-466) 351 40 67
Where to Visit
CASTLES
Şavşat (Satel) Castle Castle that placed at
Söğütlü Quarter, Şavşat County, is built by
Bagratlı Kingdom in 9th century, it is used by
Ottomans too. Today castle is abandoned but
still most parts of high tower and rampart
walls remain
Artvin Castle (Livane) it is tied to main rock
70 meter above the river base opposite of
Artvin Bridge that on the Çoruh River. Castle
built by Bagratlı Kingdom in the middle of
10th century. It takes attention with high
tower.
Ardanuç (Guhernik) Castle it is placed at
Ardanuç county, in Adakale area. Castle that
one of the most important castles of region,
premium sample with it's interior castle and
city formation surrounded by city walls. It
takes attention with inscription of Kanuni
Sultan Süleyman (Great Suleyman) beside the
ruins dated to ancient periods.
MOSGUES, TOMBS AND PUBLIC BATHS
Sahilbey Cami ve Türbeleri , İskender Paşa
Cami-Türbeleri,Ortacalar Merkez Cami, Muratlı
Cami, Sugören Cami, Esenköy Cami, Kocabey Cami,
Demirkent Cami, Zeytinlik Türbeleri, Artvin
Şehir Hamamı en önemlileridir.
MONASTERIES AND CHURCHES
Hamamlı Curch (with public bath) at center
county, Barhal Church (Altıparmak Church),
İşhan Church ve Dörtkilise Monastery at
Yusufeli county, Cevizli Church and Köprülü
Church, Pınarlı (Porta) Monastery, Hamamlı (Dolishana)
Monastery Church, İşhan Monastery Church and
Chapel at Şavşat county are important ones.
Hamamlı Church (Center): It is in the Hamamlı
village of Artvin province. The church 32 km.
from city center was constructed by Sembat I
from Baghdad between 923 and 958. It has an
impressive architecture with its embroidered
"sundial" which had maintained its
characteristic on its door till today.
Barhal Church (Altıparmak Church, Yusufeli):
It is within the Altıparmak village, which is
12 km. north west of Yusufeli district. It is
used as a mosque today and still protects its
historical characteristic.
İşhan Church (Yusufeli): It is 11 km. east
from Yusufeli district, and in Dağyolu (İşhan)
village. The mosque which was previously
constructed as a church in 1008 was converted
into a mosque by Ottomans in 1549. Relief
illustrating the challenge of a dragon and a
lion among the adornments on window borders is
interesting. Church with a conical structure
still preservs its original condition.
Cevizli Church (Şavşat): It is 6 km. north
east of Şavşat province, in Cevizli village.
It was constructed between 899 and 914 by one
of the governors of Bagratlı, Aşut Kukh. Grave
of Aşut Kukh is adjacent to this church. A
Georgian structure, Cevizli Church's external
face was adorned with columns and relieves.
There is a relief of Jesus Christ on the north
windows. Ram head relieves in the church and
ram head statues on its ceiling is showing
that Bagrats are fond of Huns for whom ram is
deemed as holy.
Köprülü Bridge (Şavşat): It is 7 km north west
of Şavşat province and in Köprülü village. It
is thought that this is considered as the
center of the churches within the region. Only
the remnants of the church constructed by
Zortana,one of the rulers of Kıpçaklı has
erected today.
FOUNTAINS AND BRIDGES
Çelebi Efendi Fountain it is at Orta quarter
depended to Artvin Center. Building built by
Çelebi Efendi whom was steward of Asma Sultan
at the year of G. 1783 (H. 1197). Only some
part of the building survived to present day.
Fountain included to classical Ottoman
buildings.
Berta Bridge is on the way to Şavşat county
which county depended to Artvin Center.
Building survives healthy to present time.
Ortacalar Çifte (double) Bridge bridge is at
the cross section of Anlı and Küçükköy
villages ways, and 25 kilometer towards the
Artvin, Ortacalar County. Formed from two
bridges to cross each other perpendicular.
Both survived to present.
NATIONAL PARKS AND PROTECTION PLACES
Artvin - Karagöl National Park
Location: The park is situated within the
borders of Savsat and Artvin provinces, and is
spread over the plateaus of Karagol and
Sahara.
Transportation: By road, the old Georgian town
of Savsat is 45km south of Karagol, and 17km
from Sahara.
Highlights: Around Karagol, the area is
Paleocene or neocene. The area around Karagol
is separated by valleys, with cracks causing
landslides, and dense forests with spruce
trees and pines. The area at the northeast of
the lake, around Bagat, is good for
grass-skiing.
The Sahara Plateau has a geological structure
formed by the basalt cover of the region. The
ground in this area breaks easily, which
causes the slope to increase. The forests here
have spruce and fir trees, and Scotch pines in
the lower regions.
The area around the Kocabey Plateau has plant
species from the Alpine zone. Around the River
Resat, at an altitude of 1800m, there is a
Pancar (beetroot) festival every year during
which many visitors come to participate, which
in turn gives a significant economic boost to
the area.
In order to protect the natural beauty of the
area, National Park status was granted to 3766
hectares in 1994.
Facilities: In the Karagol area, there is a
lodge providing accommodation for 12 people.
Artvin - Hatila Valley National Park
Location: Hatila Valley is a branch of the
River Coruh, in the province of Artvin.
Transportation: Transport to the park is via a
10km road from the centre of Artvin.
Highlights: The valley is v-shaped, narrow
based, with inclination cracks which cause the
waterfalls. There are parts of the valley
where the slopes are almost vertical. The
vegetation is rich and dense in the middle and
upper regions, with over 500 species of
plants, reflecting the Mediterranean
characteristics.
The wide variety of fauna in the Halita valley
includes bears, pigs, foxes, badgers, wild
goats, sparrow hawks, eagles, jackals, vipers
and trout. It has geographical characteristics
quite unique to Turkey, caused by its unusual
geological and geomorphologic structure that
has helped to create the beautiful landscape.
Facilities: It is possible to stay in the
park, either in tents, caravans, or bungalows,
or use Artvin as a base for accommodation.
Artvin - Efeler Nature Reserve
Location: The park is near Camili, near the
Georgian border, and 50km northeast of Borcka,
in the district of Artvin in the Eastern Black
Sea province.
Transportation: The park is accessible via
Borcka, and Artvin which is connected by a
good bus service. The nearest airport is at
Kars.
Highlights: The Camili-Efeler Forest is the
most untouched forest ecosystem in Turkey and
Europe. There are has many species of trees
including beech, fir, spruce, horn-beam,
chestnut and alder, plus certain types of oak.
The river basin in the area is on the
migration route of birds of prey.
Artvin - Gorgit Nature Reserve
Location: The park is near Camili, near the
Georgian border, and 50km from Borcka, in the
district of Artvin in the Eastern Black Sea
province.
Transportation: The park is accessible via
Borcka, and Artvin, which is connected by a
good bus service. The nearest airport is at
Kars.
Highlights: The Camili-Gorgit forest has many
very old and huge trees, including species of
fir, spruce, beech, horn-beam and alder. The
river basin in the area is on the migration
route of many species of birds of prey.
NATURAL BEAUTIES
Forests Maçahel, Papart, Otingo and Yalnızçam
Forests, are valuable enough to visit with
their rich flora formation and monumental
trees..
Güngörmez Rivulet mystery about rivulet that
springs from Yusufeli county Güngörmez
Mountains is it starts flowing by beginning of
night and stop flowing with rising of sun.
Çoruh Valley Çoruh Valley that conserves olive
tree, peanut pine and other plants survive at
Mediterranean climate, is a place to be seen
by it's interesting geologic and
geomorphologic structure.
Cehennem Rivulet Canyon Cehennem Rivulet
Canyon that is one of the special canyons of
Türkiye, takes attention by it's interesting
nature.
Meydancık (İmerhev) county is valuable for
seeing by its original wooden construction
buildings.
HIGHLANDS
Artvin is one of the regions that conserves
plateau culture means of its geography.
Artvin Highlands
Yusufeli-Kaçkar Tourist Center- Highland
Village
Transportation: This highland village is
located 53 km west of Yusufeli. There is
transportation provided by commercial vehicles
on the 20 km. gravel road between Yusufeli and
Sarıgöl. To make the trip down the 33 km dirt
road from Sarıgöl to the village, you will
need to rent a car. The campsite at Dilberdüzü
can only be reached by a 10 km hike down a
narrow path.
Description: Situated at 3200 m. the village
has basic services such as a fountain,
electricity and a health clinic as well as a
small market, teahouse, restaurant, bakery and
a butcher.
Yaylalar Village is a central stopping point
for climbers going to Kaçkar Mountain.
Provisions for the climb and pack animals to
carry them may be rented here. The nearest
campsite to Mt. Kaçkar is Dilberdüzü (3328
m.). There are no facilities at Dilberdüzü but
the water is plentiful and ice-cold. It is
dangerous to go beyond Dilberdüzü without a
guide. Wildlife that can be seen in the area
include lynx, bear, mountain goat, wolf,
jackal and fox.
On the way to Yaylalar, in the village of
Altıparmak is the Church of Altıparmak (Borhal),
which is open to the public. There are also
silk rugs woven in the village which can be
bought.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: One can stay
in Sarıgöl, where there are a number of bed
and breakfast places as well as other services
such as a post office, toilets and
electricity. The village also has a small
market, teahouse, bakery, restaurant and a
butcher.
Kafkasör Tourist Center (Kafkasör Highland)
Transportation: Access to the village found 10
km southwest of Artvin is via a 10 km dirt
road.
Description: The 1250 m. high village is
gorgeous place well-worth visiting. Its
infrastructure is completed and the municipal
government has 10 bungalows with a 80 bed
capacity. Every year in the last week of June
there is a very festive 3-day bull-fighting
competition, which is very popular with the
locals. Three healing springs, Cıskaro,
Yalnızhasan and Acısu are found in the area.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: If
arrangements are made beforehand, it is
possible to stay in the bungalows. Basic
necessities should be brought in, however,
though during the bull-fighting competition
there are lots of stands selling food and
drink.
Borçka-Karagöl
Transportation: Turn east onto a dirt road at
the 27 km mark on the Borçka-Camili road, the
first 7 km of which are asphalt. The village
can be reached by following this road for 20
km.
Description: In the forest around the lake is
an abundance of wildlife including lynx, bear,
curly horned mountain goats, hazel grouse and
birds of prey. There is also trout fishing in
the lake. The infrastructure is not complete
but there are toilets, picnic tables, a
fountain and a Forest Service guest house
here.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: Bring your
camping gear and other basic supplies.
Şavşat- Karagöl
Transportation: The 8-10 hectare Lake Karagöl
is northeast of Şavşat and can be reached via
a 30 km dirt road. You will need to have your
own car to get there.
Description: There is electricity, a fountain,
toilets and a building used by Forest Service
personnel. There is an abundance of wildlife
in the area.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: Bring your
camping gear and other basic supplies.
Ardanuç-Babilan Highland
Transportation: You can reach this highland by
taking a dirt road east from Ardanuç for 51
km.
Description: With no basic services other than
a road and water, this mountain village has a
bazaar every Saturday. In the bazaar they sell
food and other basic supplies as well as
animals in an auction. The whole event
resembles a country fair.
Accommodation - Food and Drink: Bring your
camping gear and other basic supplies. You can
buy food stuffs here on Saturday and Sunday.
ORNITHOLOGY AREAS
Eastern Black Sea Mountains
City: Trabzon, Gümüşhane, Bayburt, Rize,
Erzurum, Artvin
Provinces: There are 32 provinces within
important bird areas
Surface Area : 1.230.000
Altitude : 0 - 3932 m
Protection: partially
Bird Species: It gains important bird areas
status with sakallı akbaba (20 pairs), kızıl
akbaba (20 pairs), kara akbaba (10 pairs),
kaya kartalı (10 pairs), huş tavuğu (all
Turkey population is within these important
bird areas) and ürkeklik populations. These
important bird areas including seven regions
had been investigated during a research
performed on 1993, and a total of 134 mature
male huş tavuğu had been determined within six
of them. When narrowness of the researched
area and wideness of appropriate life
environments are considered, it can be deemed
that total number of huş tavuğu population
within important bird areas exceeds 1000
pairs. But, discover of various important new
immigration valley recently is showing that
these numbers can be much more than deemed.
Due to representation of Eurasia High
Mountainous (Alpine) biomes within turkey by
Eastern Black Sea Mountains, it is the only
area which gained important bird areas status.
Main Characteristics: Forest, mountain,
immigration pass
SPORTIVE ACTIVITIES
Rafting existence of best course for stream
sports on Çoruh River that divide region two
parts by flowing south to north, after Zambezi
and Biobio Rivers, makes province attractive
for streaming water sports. Moreover there are
ideal courses for water sports on Barhal
Rivulet that spring from Kaçkar Mountains and
important subdivision of Çoruh River. Rafting,
katamaran and canoe sports can make between
june - October months at Çoruh River and
Barhal Rivulet. Moreover 4th world streaming
sports champion ship made on Çoruh River at
1993.
Çoruh River
The River Coruh cuts through the mountainous
region of Artvin and reaches the Black Sea.
Beginning at the Mescit Mountains (3225m), it
flows for 466 km before reaching the Black Sea
in Georgia, and is one of the fastest flowing
rivers in the world. Every year, local and
foreign watersports enthusiasts travel to the
area for canoeing, rafting and trekking in the
Kackar Mountains. The small towns and villages
located along the river are historically
interesting, and the whole area represents the
combination of Eastern Anatolian and Black Sea
cultures.
The best way to reach the summit at Kackar
Mountains is via the village of Yaylalar, from
where local guides and mules can be hired to
carry personal belongings. The natural habitat
of Coruh River remains undisturbed, and
colonies of red vultures, which are threatened
with extinction, live among the rocks by the
riverside. The area surrounding the river is
rich in wildlife, including grey bear,
mountain goat with hooked horns, wild boar,
wolf, jackal, fox, badger, water sable,
rabbit, partridge, wild rooster, woodcock,
wild duck, stock dove and golden oriole.
Courses
A trip down the River Coruh starts at Bayburt,
passing through Ispir and Yusufeli and onwards
to Artvin, a distance of approximately 260km
in four different sections.
Bayburt - Ispir (0-106 km): The Dikmetas
Bridge near Bayburt is an ideal starting point
for this expedition, and has good areas for
camping on either side of the river. Aslandede
and Laleli are the pleasant campsites for the
second camp.
With a class 2-3 water, the trip from Bayburt
to Ispir can be completed within three days on
average. Approximately 3 km before arriving at
Ispir, the left bank has a good place for
camping. The nearby gas station and the shops
in Ispir are useful for stocking up on
supplies.
Ispir - Camlikaya (106-134 km): After leaving
Ispir by road, there are rapids at 3km, 6.6km,
7.4km, and 8km. The small hut on the left side
of the road before the Camlikaya junction
28km, makes a good rest stop. Drinking water
can be obtained either from the brook flowing
from the mountains, 200m ahead on the left
side of the road, or from the spring to the
right of the transformer station past the
concrete bridge at the Camlikaya road
junction. Food can be bought can be bought
from Camlikaya (4km from the junction). The
Ispir-Camlikaya route is class 3-4-5 water.
Camlikaya - Tekkale (134-178 km): After
Camlikaya, the river banks are full of rice
plantations, vegetable gardens and fruit
orchards. The river passes Koprugoren at 48km,
approaching the hamlet of Alanbasi at 54km.
Camping is possible next to the brook that
joins the Coruh on the left bank immediately
before the village.
Past the concrete bridge, the river becomes
rockier, with class 3-4-5 water. An old
watchtower is visible before arriving at
Cevreli. The garden in front of the village
primary school, to the right immediately after
the concrete bridge, makes a good campsite.
There are also places to overnight in Tekkale,
7 km ahead. From Tekkale, local guides can
take you up the mountains to see the historic
Dortkilise, a medieval Georgian church.
Fishermen will enjoy angling for speckled
trout (alabalik) in the brook flowing nearby
the church.
Tekkale - Artvin (178-261 km): From Tekkale,
the expedition proceeds to Yusufeli, 6km away,
which has accommodation and simple cafes. The
Altiparmak (Barhal), one of the major branches
of the Coruh, joins the river close to
Yusufeli. As the flow-rate of the river picks
up speed, the route becomes increasingly
challenging, with class 3-4-5 water.
Oltu Cayi joins the river 9km after Yusufeli,
near the Artvin-Erzurum highway junction,
behind a concrete bridge. The rapids begin 22
km from Yusufeli.
This 100m stretch of white water, nicknamed
King Kong, cascades around sharp boulders with
breathtaking velocity, making it the high
point of the expedition. The water is
dangerous here, class 5+ water, so those with
less experience should not plan to cross this
section when the river is high. A large
concrete sign inscribed with the letters EIE
to the left of the highway identifies this
section of the Coruh.
There is a good place to camp 33 km before
Zeytincik, stopping to pick up any necessary
provisions in the village. At 43 km, the river
enters a narrow 3 km long canyon, class 3-4.
The gas station and inn at Oruclu, at 57 km,
provides a convenient finishing point for the
trip. Boats can be pulled on shore here, and
there are a few basic rooms and a cafe. Artvin
is 20 km further on from Oruclu, with mostly
class 1-2 water. Some groups prefer to extend
the route right through to Artvin.
Barhal Rivulet
ARTVİN ALTIPARMAK(BARHAL) RIVER
The River Altiparmak (Barhal), located in the
province of Artvin, emerges from the southern
side of the Kackar Mountains and runs about 40
km to join the Coruh river 2 km south of
Yusufeli.
The Altiparmak flows through a strikingly
beautiful valley enveloped by high
mountains.Recommended for canoeing and
rafting, the river has a rich selection of
flora and fauna, and a high flow-rate year
round because of the run-off of melting snow.
The basin of the Altiparmak can be reached by
Yusufeli via Artvin or Erzurum. Ogdem Creek
joins the Altiparmak 6 km from Yusufeli, and
the town of Sarigol is 19 km from Yusufeli and
accessible by a stabilised gravel road.
The area of Deftise, situated about 1.5 km
beyond Sarigol, is distinguished by wooden
two-story houses built in traditional Black
Sea style. Edged by dense green forests, these
picturesque houses and the misty summit of the
Kackar Mountains create a very beautiful
panorama. The village of Altiparmak (Barhal)
is accessible from Sarigol via a narrow, 12km
long road, and the people here are very
hospitable and friendly, with accommodation
available in simple guest-houses. This village
serves as one of the main campsites on the
climb up Kackar Mountain. A stabilised road
leads to Yaylalar, 24 km beyond Altiparmak,
and west is the Artvin Kackar Tourism Centre.
Courses
The pretty hamlet of Deftise, north of Sarigol,
provides the best starting point for canoe and
raft expeditions down the Altiparmak, which
runs approximately 22 km from this point to
the junction with the Coruh, with class 3-4
waters. The riverbed is rocky, and special
care needs to be taken when the river flow
rate is low.
Three km from Sarigol, the ruins of citadel of
Bahceli lie to the right of the creek before
reaching Yusufeli, after crossing the concrete
bridge near the junction of Ogdem creek and
the Altiparmak. The run may be completed
either at Yusufeli or 2 km ahead, before the
Altiparmak flows into the River Coruh River.
The best months to plan a canoe or raft trip
on the Altiparmak is between May and August.
Tracking and Nature Walking there are the most
suitable courses for nature tracking of
Türkiye at Kaçkarlar that highest mountain
series of east black sea. Mountaineering
groups and mountaineers whom come to region,
complete Trans - Kaçkar tracking by walking
trough Yusufeli Yaylalar Village to Rize -
Çamlıhemşin Ayder Plateau. Moreover thare are
suitable tracing courses at other mountains of
regions Altıparmak Mountains.
Hunting places Province that most of the areas
cover mountainous and broken places, has
suitable places for hunting. Especially
mountain Goth, bear, wolf, fox and naruel
touth are important game animals of region.
Geography
Artvin that placed in the east Black Sea
Region, has rainy Black Sea Climate.
History
Historical background of Artvin is traced to
years of. 3000 BC, it means that related to
Bronze Age. Hurri's, Urartu, Persians, Romans,
Byzantine, Georgians and Armenians lived at
Artvin. Than Artvin live Seljuklian, Saltuk,
İlhanlı, Timur, Akkoyunlu, Safevi and Ottoman
periods. It changed to a county of Rize at the
year of 1923, than changed to province again
and named Çoruh at the year of 1936. Its name
changed Artvin to at the year of1956.
Where to Eat
Artvin Kitchen that rich by the means of local
meals has vegetable meals consist of mountain
beet which cultivated naturally at mounts and
gardens, kuşekmeği, kazayağı, gımı, kavurma,
purslane, mallow. Nepürşen that made with
drying fresh vine leafs and Puçuko that made
mixutre of meat, sour and dryad fresh bean are
local meals original to region. Some of the
examples for pastry are katmer (flaky pastry),
erişte (kind of macaroni), hıngal, çergabaz,
bişi, lokum (delight) and kinds of pastries.
Main cookies of province are hasuta, kaysefe,
zurbiyet honey, delight.
What to Buy
Don't return back before buying; hand art made
with woodwork, items knitted with branch
covers and tendril, clay pots and pans, copper
- plated products and rugs.
Don't Leave Without
- Traveling Borçka Karagöller lakes and Camili
Region
- Rafting at Çoruh, tracking at Kaçkar
mountains,
- Watching bullfight at Kafkas plateau,
- Eating Puçuko,
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural
Heritages in Artvin
Sites
Archeological Sites: 197
Urban Sites: 6
Natural Sites: 42
Historical Sites: -
Total: 7
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and
Natural
Heritages: 129
TOTAL: 136
Contact Information
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (466) 212 25 07
Fax: (466) 212 16 43
Governorship : (+90-466) 212 11 17
Municipality : (+90-466) 312 29 53
Hospital : (+90-466) 212 34 23 - 212 35 75
Police : (+90-466) 312 49 52
Gendarme : (+90-466) 611 25 01
Provincial Directorate : (+90-466) 212 34 23 -
212 35 75
Tourism Information Office : (+90-466) 212 30
71
Provincial Culture Directorate : (+90-466) 212
25 07
Links
Artvin Governorship http://www.artvin.gov.tr/
