Damal is a district of Ardahan province in Türkiye. It is located approximately 51 kilometers from the provincial center. It is bordered by Hanak to the south, Çıldır and Georgia to the east, and the Posof district to the north. Damal has a mountainous and rugged terrain; winters are long and harsh, with snow cover remaining on the ground for about seven months each year. Apart from the district center, it has villages such as Eski Kılıç, Burmadere, Dereköy, Tepeköy, Otağlı, Seyitören, İkizdere, Oburcak, and Üçdere.
History
Damal has historically been located on the migration route of Turkish tribes moving from Central Asia to Europe. The region has hosted many different cultures, including the Medes, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Georgians, Armenians, and Russians. The region was annexed to the Seljuk lands by Alparslan in 1064 and came under Ottoman rule during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. In 1992, with Ardahan becoming a province, Damal also attained the status of a district.
Population and Belief
The people of Damal are predominantly of Turkmen origin and inherit a culture passed down from the Oghuz Turks of Central Asia. The prevalent belief system in the region is Alevism, based on Hüseyni-Bektashi principles. Damal is a region experiencing outward migration; population density is low, and due to young people preferring larger cities, the demographic structure is aging. As of 2024, the population is 4,653.
Geography and Climate
The district's geography is mountainous and surrounded by high peaks. The region experiences a harsh continental climate, and traditional agriculture and livestock farming remain the main sources of livelihood. Grains such as barley, wheat, and rye are cultivated and harvested in August–September. Transportation becomes difficult during winter, and the region maintains a somewhat isolated lifestyle.
Damal (Republic of Turkey, Damal Municipality)
Culture and Handicrafts
Damal is a region identified with the culture of flat weaving. Rugs, sacks, and saddlebags woven using techniques such as kilim, cicim, and sumak reflect the region’s cultural heritage. Especially the “boz kilim,” woven with natural colors derived from sheep wool, is a fundamental element of traditional weaving art. The colors are typically obtained from root dyes, onion skins, and walnut husks. Women in the region learn these handicrafts at a young age and include them in their dowries.
Damal Dolls
One of Damal's cultural symbols is the “Damal Dolls.” These dolls are entirely handmade and wear garments representing traditional women's clothing of the region. The dolls stand out with their traditional outfits, headscarves, aprons, and patterned skirts. This handicraft, maintained under the Damal Public Education Center, attracts the interest of both locals and foreigners and also contributes to women’s employment.
Silhouette of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (Anadolu Agency)
Atatürk Silhouette
The “Atatürk Silhouette,” observed every year between June 15 and July 15 on the ridges of Mount Karadağ in Damal, is one of the rare phenomena where natural and symbolic elements converge. Around 6:00 PM, the sunlight falling on the mountain slope creates an image resembling Atatürk’s profile. Since 1995, this natural event has been celebrated under the name “Damal Festival in the Footsteps and Shadow of Atatürk.”
Damal Festival in the Footsteps and Shadow of Atatürk (Republic of Türkiye, Damal Municipality)
Local Cuisine
Damal cuisine reflects the traditional culinary culture of Eastern Anatolia. It emphasizes dietary habits based on grains and meat products. Dishes such as flatbread baked on a griddle, kete (a type of pastry), and ayran aşı soup are particularly common. However, with the decline in small livestock farming, the production of local dairy and meat products has also decreased. Traditional flavors are being preserved by the local people and are maintained on special occasions.
