Artvin

About the City

Artvin is a mountainous and forested city located in the northeast of Türkiye, between the Black Sea and the Caucasus. It shares a border with Georgia, giving it strategic importance as the eastern gateway of the Eastern Black Sea region.

The city is situated around the Eastern Black Sea Mountains and the Çoruh River. Its rugged topography makes it notable for its natural beauty and rich vegetation. The highland pastoral culture is an integral part of daily life in Artvin, with communities residing in highland pastures both in summer and winter.

Throughout history, Artvin has been ruled by numerous civilizations including Colchis, Rome, Byzantium, the Bagratids, the Seljuks, and the Ottomans. Today, historical castles, bridges, and monastery ruins still bear witness to this layered past. Moreover, due to its multilingual and multicultural character, Artvin is one of Türkiye’s most significant cities reflecting its ethnic and cultural diversity.

Region: Black Sea Region (Eastern Black Sea)

Population: Approximately 170,000 (2024)

Climate: Black Sea climate (rainy throughout the year), with continental climate characteristics in higher elevations

Neighboring Provinces: Rize (west), Erzurum (south), Ardahan (east); also shares a border with Georgia

Historical Significance: Part of the ancient region of Colchis; served as a frontier and surveillance point during the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods

Importance to the Country: The only province in Türkiye with a border crossing to Georgia in the Eastern Black Sea region; holds strategic and cultural significance

Economic Activities: Forestry, tea and hazelnut production, beekeeping, tourism (nature and highland tourism)

Notable Features: Karagöl, Macahel, Çoruh River, Sarp Border Gate

🗺️ Where Is It on the Map?

Artvin is located at the easternmost tip of the Eastern Black Sea region. To the north lies the Black Sea and to the east it borders Georgia. As such, it has functioned as both a natural transit route and a cultural interaction zone.

References

Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu (TÜİK), 2024 data

Artvin Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism

Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Black Sea Archaeological Routes

MEB Publications, Geography of Türkiye

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye – Sarp Border Gate Information Notes