Arhavi is a district of Artvin Province in the Black Sea Region of the Republic of Türkiye. Bordered by the Black Sea to the north, Hopa to the east, Fındıklı district of Rize to the west, and Murgul and Yusufeli to the south, the district center is located on the Black Sea Coastal Highway. Arhavi, with an area of ​​314 km², encompasses mountainous areas and plateaus rising to 3,000 m from the seashore.

^{Arhavi ( Arhavi District National Education Directorate )}

History

Due to its strategic location on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, the Arhavi district has served as a settlement and transit area for various civilizations throughout history. Traces of settlement in and around Arhavi date back to the Neolithic Age (10,000–8,000 BC), during which time the region is considered a center for the beginnings of agriculture and settled life. However, due to the lack of written documents, detailed information about this period is not available.

Between 2000 and 1000 BC, Artvin and its surrounding area established neighboring relations with the Hittites. During this period, communities of Central Asian origin, such as the Hurrians, Urartians, and Sakas, are understood to have settled in the region. Urartian influence was felt from 831 BC onwards, and the region, then known as Kulkha-eli, was recorded as "Kolhida" by the Ancient Greeks. Between 200 and 150 BC, Roman influence increased, and the region was annexed to Rome through the Armanian Kingdom.

Beginning in the 7th century AD, Arab and Khazar Turks began raiding the region, and in 728, the Khazars took control. From the early 11th century onward, with the Seljuk Turks advancing into Anatolia, Arhavi and its surrounding area came under Turkish rule. Following the 1071 Battle of Manzikert, Seljuk commanders crossed the Erzurum and Black Sea passes to reach the higher elevations of Arhavi, where they established temporary settlements. Therefore, many place names in the region are thought to be of Turkish origin.

Ottoman rule began in 1471 with Mehmed the Conqueror's abolition of the Pontic Greek Empire in Trabzon. After this date, Arhavi was incorporated into Ottoman territory, and with the conquest of Gönye Castle during Yavuz Sultan Selim's campaign against Batumi around 1510, it was organized as a sub-district of Gönye Sanjak. Following the 1877–1878 Russo-Turkish War (93 War), the region came under Russian occupation, and Arhavi was administratively attached to the Rize Sanjak of the Trabzon Province, and later to the Hopa District.

During World War I, the Russian army occupied eastern Arhavi on March 15, 1915. Local militia forces retreated to the Kabisre Stream line and defended the district's western side for a year. However, the entire district was occupied on February 5, 1916. With the Russian army's withdrawal from the region following the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, Arhavi returned to Turkish rule on March 12, 1918.

With the proclamation of the Republic, Arhavi was first governed as a sub-district; a municipal organization was established in 1946 and it gained district status in 1954. Throughout this historical process, Arhavi has been at the intersection of both local cultures and external interactions, becoming one of the notable settlements in the Eastern Black Sea region with its rich historical heritage and cultural diversity.

Geography and Climate

The district of Arhavi is located on the Black Sea coast in the eastern part of the Eastern Black Sea Region, and its geography and climate reflect the region's typical characteristics. The district is bordered by the Black Sea to the north, and borders Hopa to the east, Fındıklı, a district of Rize province, to the west, and Murgul and Yusufeli, both districts of Artvin, to the south. Arhavi, with an area of ​​314 km², is situated on the Kamilet and Derecik valleys.

The district's terrain is generally rugged and mountainous. Located in the northern foothills of the Eastern Black Sea Mountains, the district has steep slopes that rise rapidly from the coast. Unlike the villages, the district center is situated on a relatively flat plateau suitable for both settlement and agricultural activity. However, settlements outside the center are scattered along steeply sloping terrain and narrow valleys.

Much of Arhavi's territory consists of mountainous and forested areas. Within the district's borders, there are peaks approaching 3,000 meters. Among the highest mountains are significant elevations such as Çatalkaya (2,985 m), Koyunyayla (2,292 m), Mete (2,142 m), and Dikme (2,068 m). These mountain ranges shape the district's geomorphological character and also influence its climatic characteristics.

The most important stream in Arhavi is the Arhavi (Kapisre) Stream, approximately 35 km long and fed by numerous tributary streams. Flowing through deep valleys, this stream plays a decisive role in both the district's ecological balance and settlement planning. Numerous glacial lakes, both large and small, are also found in the district's high plateaus. The most important of these lakes are Nogadid, Sarıgöl, Alacagöl, Büyük Agara, Küçük Agara, and Karagöl. During the summer months, the lakes are valuable both for their natural richness and for plateau tourism.

Arhavi's climate is influenced by the typical Eastern Black Sea climate. Summers are warm and winters are cool, with precipitation occurring throughout the year. Humidity is high, and temperature fluctuations are low. This humid and temperate climate significantly contributes to the region's agriculture. Tea, hazelnut, corn, and citrus production are particularly well-suited to these climatic conditions, and these crops can be grown across a wide area, from the district's coast to the interior.

Population and Demography

As of 2024, Arhavi district had a total population of 21,821. Of this population, 17,455 live in the district center and 4,366 in villages. In terms of gender distribution, the male population is 10,727 and the female population is 11,094.

The district has a total of seven neighborhoods and 30 villages. The most populous neighborhood is Musazade, with a population of 7,571. Kavak Village has the largest population among the villages. 

The majority of the population is concentrated in the district center. Rural areas are characterized by scattered settlements. Some villagers engage in agriculture and animal husbandry, but younger people are migrating to the city center or out of town.

Economy

The economy is largely based on agriculture; thanks to the favorable climate, tea, hazelnut, corn, and citrus fruit production are widespread. In addition, small and large livestock, as well as poultry farming, constitute the primary sources of income for the local population.

Tourism, Culture and Cuisine

• Kamilet and Derecik Valleys: Plateaus between 1,500–1,600 m; nature walks and photography are possible.
• Çatalkaya (2,985 m), Koyunyayla (2,292 m), Mete (2,142 m), Dikme (2,068 m): Mountain tourism and summit climbing are done.
• Nogadid, Sarıgöl, Alacagöl, Büyük Agara, Küçük Agara, Karagöller: Glacial lakes offer camping, fishing and nature observation opportunities.
• Arhavi (Kapisre) Stream: Approximately 35 km long stream offers canoeing, rafting and sport fishing opportunities.
• Arhavi Beach: Clean sea, has a limitation due to short tourist season due to high rainfall.

In Arhavi, folk medicine and veterinary medicine, traditional theatre, folk dances, local music and instruments, handicrafts and souvenirs, and folk architecture are prominent.

Artvin cuisine offers soups; dairy products such as cheese and kaymak; dishes made from mountain herbs and vegetables; pastries such as laz böreği, katmer, and noodles; winter kavurma (fried meat) and shish kebabs; grainy dishes such as keşkek and herisa; and desserts such as hasuta, kaysefe, and honey lokum.

Arhavi is one of the rare districts encompassing both a coastal town at sea level and plateaus reaching up to 1,600 m; the coastal plains intertwine with the mountain range shaped by lava and glaciers, creating multi-layered ecotourism opportunities.