Artvin (Province)

Artvin is a province in the northeastern part of Türkiye, bordering the Black Sea and renowned for its natural beauty. It shares its eastern boundary with Ardahan, its western boundary with Rize, its southern boundary with Erzurum, and its northern boundary with Georgia. Its rugged terrain, rich forests and rivers attract attention. Throughout history, it has been shaped by the influence of many civilizations including the Hurrians, Urartians, Scythians, Seljuks, Byzantines and Ottomans like.

Ortacalar Double Bridges

History

Artvin and its surroundings have been a important region bearing traces of many civilizations throughout history. The earliest settlements in the area date back to the 2000s BCE. Artvin’s history has been shaped by the influence of various civilizations such as Urartu, Colchis, Rome, Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire.

In the 9th century BCE, the region came under the rule of the Urartian Kingdom and later fell under the influence of different peoples including the Scythians and Medes. During antiquity, particularly in the 6th century BCE, Artvin came under the administration of the Persian Empire and was governed within the satrapy system. After the Persians, the region came under the influence of Hellenistic kingdoms following the campaigns of Alexander the Great east together.

During the Roman Empire, the Kingdoms of Colchis and Lazica were the dominant political powers in the region. In the 4th century CE, Artvin came under Byzantine rule and experienced religious and cultural transformations influenced by Christianity. During the Byzantine period, Georgian principalities also exerted influence over the region, particularly the Tao-Klarceti Principality which long duration administered the area.

In the 11th century, following the Battle of Manzikert, Turkic tribes began to migrate into the region, and by the 12th century Artvin and its surroundings came under Seljuk influence. From the 13th century onward, the region suffered invasions by the Mongols and later came under the rule of the Aq Qoyunlu and Karakoyunlu.

During the rise of the Ottoman Empire, Artvin was incorporated into Ottoman territory during the eastern campaigns of Yavuz Sultan Selim in the 16th century. Under Ottoman administration, the region was attached to the Çıldır Eyalet and remained under Ottoman rule for a long period. During the 19th century, in the course of the Ottoman-Russian wars, Artvin became a strategic point and remained under Russian occupation for 40 years following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. It returned to Ottoman administration in 1918 under the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk but after the First World World War, it came briefly under Georgian control. On 23 February 1921, it was incorporated into the territory of the Republic of Türkiye and continues to exist today as one of Türkiye’s important cities.

Etimology

The origin of the name Artvin is not definitively known, but throughout history the region has been known by various names. In ancient times, the area was referred to as Choroksi, Chorok, Collehis and Livane. These names are believed to be related to the Çoruh River. During the Ottoman period, the name “Livane” was common used administratively for the region. Some sources suggest that the name Artvin derives from the Georgian word “Artvani,” meaning “forested area.” Additionally, it is thought that the name Artvin may have originated from an ancient language term meaning “high and rugged place.” row

Geography and Climate

Artvin, located in eastern Türkiye, has a rugged and elevated topography. The coastal areas experience a typical Black Sea climate with rainfall throughout the year, while inland areas have colder winters and less write precipitation. These climatic characteristics are particularly evident in the region stretching from the Cankurtaran Mountains to Borçka and Artvin Center.

Mountains and Highlands

Artvin is known for its high mountains and extensive highland pastures. One of its highest peaks is the Kaçkar Mountains at 3,932 meters. Other significant elevations include the Karçal Mountains, Yalnızçam Mountains and Mescit Mountains. Some of Artvin’s most prominent highland pastures are Şavşat Yavuzköy Highland, Borçka Karagöl Highland and Kafkasör Highland. These highlands attract attention through nature tourism and highland festivals.

Plains and Rivers

Artvin’s most important rivers include the Çoruh River, Murgul Creek, Oltu Creek and Barhal Creek. The Çoruh River is one of Türkiye’s fastest-flowing rivers and holds great significance for rafting and outdoor sports. One of the province’s largest flat areas is the Ardanuç Plain. In addition, narrow plains are found along the valleys.

Lakes

Artvin has numerous natural and artificial lake. The most famous is Borçka Karagöl. Şavşat Karagöl, located amidst dense forested areas, is another natural attraction. In addition, artificial lakes such as Muratlı Dam Lake and Deriner Dam Lake contribute to the province’s hydroelectric power production.

Population and Demographics

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute’s (TÜİK) 2024 Address-Based Population Registration System results, the population of Artvin Province is recorded as 169,501. The majority of the population resides in rural areas, and the overall population density of the province is low.

Artvin Districts and Populations (2024)

• Central – 36,071
• Hopa – 27,806
• Borçka – 22,288
• Arhavi – 21,821
• Yusufeli – 18,080
• Şavşat – 16,534
• Ardanuç – 11,006
• Kemalpaşa – 9,343
• Murgul – 6,331

Economy

Artvin’s economy is primarily based on the following sectors:

• Agriculture: Due to climate and geographic conditions, tea, hazelnut and various fruit production are widespread.
• Animal Husbandry: Both large and small livestock farming are common, with beekeeping and honey production playing a significant role.
• Forestry and Wood Products: Thanks to its rich forest resources, the timber and forest products industry has developed.
• Tourism: With the development of its natural beauty for tourism, eco-tourism, nature sports and highland tourism have become important economic activities.

Culture and Tourism

Artvin has great potential for tourism due to its rich natural and cultural heritage. It attracts attention through its highlands, national parks and historical structures.

Culture

Artvin possesses an important cultural heritage rooted in its long history. Traditional handicrafts, folk dances and local festivals shape the city’s cultural identity. Events such as the Bull wrestling festival, Kafkasör Culture and Tourism Festival are among the region’s key cultural elements.

Main folk dances include Ata Barı, Deli Horon, Ağır Bar, Hemşin Horonu, Arhavi Canlısı, Borçka Horonu, Deli Kız, Cilveloy, Karabakh, Kobak, Koçari, Livane, Yellow Flower, Chicken Barı, Teşi and Ondörtlü.

Tourism

Artvin has great potential in nature tourism, historical tourism and highland tourism.

• Nature Tourism: Activities such as rafting on the Çoruh River, camping and hiking in places like Karagöl and Şavşat attract significant interest.
• Historical Tourism: Historical structures such as Artvin Castle, Tibeti Church, İşhan Monastery and Dolishane Church are key attractions for history enthusiasts.
• Highland Tourism: Kafkasör Highland is famous for its bull wrestling and hosts an annual traditional festival. Other popular highlands attracting nature lovers include Bilbilan, Meydancık, Arsiyan, Sahara, Papart, Mersivan and Macahel. Highland tourism in Artvin offers an ideal environment for hiking, camping and photography.

Şavşat Karagöl

Traditional Cuisine

Artvin cuisine reflects influences from both Black Sea and Caucasian culinary traditions. Local dishes include yatık döner, puçuko, laz böreği, to knead, silor, hamsili ekmek, erişte pilaf, kete and kaygana. Additionally, Artvin’s world-renowned famous Macahel honey is one of the region’s most important agricultural products. The cheese spread made from Şavşat’s gorcolo cheese is a daily staple among the local population.

Administration

Artvin is a province in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye, with its administrative center in the city of Artvin. The province is divided into nine districts: Central, Ardanuç, Arhavi, Borçka, Hopa, Kemalpaşa, Murgul, Şavşat and Yusufeli. Local governance is carried out by the Artvin Governorship and municipalities. The Provincial Special Administration provides services in rural areas, while municipalities deliver urban infrastructure and services within city infrastructure.

In the 2024 Decree of Governors, Uşak Governor Ergün was appointed to the position of Artvin Governor. Turan Ergün, born in Sinop in 1967, graduated from the Istanbul University Faculty of Political Sciences Department of Administration in 1989. In the 31 March 2024 local elections, Bilgehan Erdem, candidate of the Republican People Party, was elected as Artvin Municipality Mayor.