Every year, festivals that hold an important place in the cultural life of Çıldır are organized. In summer, the Çıldır Lake Summer Festival is held, in winter, the Golden Horse Crystal Ice Festival takes place. Festival venues are set up around the Çıldır Municipality Social Facilities, and both local residents and visitors from surrounding provinces and abroad participate in the events. Activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, rahvan horse races, horseback archery, javelin games, ice skating, wrestling, and off-road shows are included in the festival program. In addition, an ice fishing event is also organized.
Frozen Çıldır Lake (AA)
Çıldır Lake
Located in the northeastern part of Türkiye, on the borders between Ardahan and Kars provinces, Çıldır Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Eastern Anatolia with a surface area of 123 km². Situated approximately 1,959 meters above sea level, the lake freezes completely during the winter months, and its surface is covered with ice about 50 cm thick. It is a natural dam lake formed by volcanic lava flows and debris accumulation.
Golden Horse Crystal Ice Festival
The Golden Horse Crystal Ice Festival is a traditional winter festival held on Çıldır Lake in the Çıldır district of Ardahan province, located in northeastern Turkey. First held in 2017, the event aims to utilize the icy surface of the lake—formed due to the region’s natural winter conditions—for cultural and sports activities.
The festival is organized every year in January or February, during the period when the ice thickness reaches a level capable of supporting people and animals. More than just a recreational event, it serves an important role in preserving and promoting local cultural values. Organized under the leadership of the Ardahan Governorship and Çıldır Municipality, the festival contributes to regional tourism and also aims to introduce traditional ancestral sports to younger generations. The event features folk dance performances, mehter (Ottoman military band) concerts, and local handicrafts stands.
Golden Horse Crystal Ice Festival (AA)
Çıldır Lake Summer Festival
In the summer season, tourism activities diversified with the establishment of the Çıldır Lake Sailing Sports Club under the leadership of the Kars Governorship in 2018. This initiative, conducted in cooperation with the Turkish Sailing Federation, enabled the lake to be utilized throughout the year rather than being limited to the winter season. Canoe and sailing races held during the summer play an important role in promoting the lake and are considered exemplary events held on inland waters.
Çıldır Lake Summer Festival (Republic of Turkey, Çıldır District Governorate)
