Göle continues its existence as a modern settlement located in a high-altitude plain south of Ardahan city center. Due to its geography, the region is under the influence of the Siberian high-pressure system, resulting in a cold climate type. Therefore, there is a small amount of agricultural land in the region. Wetlands and rivers, forests, and steppe-grass vegetation, which form abundantly due to the climate and topography, enable the growth of these plants. On the other hand, it has accelerated the development of animal husbandry, which is the basis of the subsistence economy.

^{Göle (Anadolu Agency)}

History

Göle is a settlement with a deep-rooted past, influenced by many cultures and civilizations throughout history. The origin of its name is based on the Georgian word “Kola,” and it is thought to be linked to the ancient Colchis kingdom. However, it was used only as the name of the region, not of today's Göle town. During the Ottoman period, it was known as “Ardahan-i Küçük,” a name that referred to a small administrative region that was part of Ardahan.

It was connected to Erzurum in 1551 and to the Kars province in 1579. In 1830, its center was Dedeşen village, and it was attached to the Çıldır Sanjak. In 1866, it was attached to the Ardahan district with the status of a sub-district center. After the Russian occupation in 1878, the district center became Merdinik village (now the district center). The district was liberated from Russian occupation by the forces of Kazım Karabekir Pasha and militias on September 30, 1920, ending forty years of captivity. From this date until 1992, Göle was a district of Kars province, and in 1992, it was connected to Ardahan province. The municipality organization in Göle district center was established in 1926. Finally, on May 27, 1992, it was attached to Ardahan province with Law No. 3806.

Geography and Climate

Göle district is located on a flat area approximately 42–45 km from Ardahan city center, at an average altitude of 2030 meters. The district's surface area is 1420 km², and it is surrounded by Ardahan city center to the north, Selim and Sarıkamış districts of Kars to the south, Susuz district to the east, Şenkaya and Olur districts of Erzurum to the west, and Şavşat district of Artvin to the northwest. The villages are scattered on flat and rugged terrain.

The region is largely covered by green vegetation; especially about 65% of Ardahan's forests are within the borders of Göle district. Other lands are covered with meadows and pastures, and barley, wheat, and potatoes are the most cultivated crops in agricultural activities. The district's vast Göle Plain is foggy for most of the year and offers suitable grassland areas for agriculture.

Göle is under the influence of a harsh continental climate. Winters are long and very severe; temperatures can drop to -30 or even -35 degrees Celsius, and snow thickness can reach 1 meter. In summer, the weather is mild and rainy, with temperatures rising to 25–30 degrees Celsius. This climate structure directly affects the district's natural vegetation and its agricultural and animal husbandry activities.

^{Winter Season In Göle (Göle District National Education Directorate)} 

Population and Demographic Structure

According to the 2000 census, Göle district's population was 10,478 in the center and 27,336 in the villages, totaling 37,814. According to the 2012 Address-Based Population Registration System, the total population was determined as 7,359 in the District Center and 22,609 in the villages, totaling 29,968. There was a decrease in the district's population compared to the 2000 census. As can be understood from the data, 70% of the population lives in villages. The population in 2024 is 22,214 people.

Economic Structure

The economy of Göle district is largely based on animal husbandry. The district is one of the leading centers for cattle and small ruminant breeding in the region. Along with livestock breeding and dairy farming, barley, wheat, oats, and potato production are carried out in agriculture. Additionally, poultry farming and beekeeping also contribute to the economy. The Göle Agricultural Enterprise (İnekhane) was established in the district to support animal husbandry. Forestry is also an important source of livelihood, and the Forest Enterprise operates in this field.

In the field of trade, there are numerous dairies, industrial facilities, artisan shops, and small businesses. Göle has surpassed Ardahan city center and other districts in terms of economic size and is positioned as the trade center of the region. In terms of tourism, the türbe (tomb), castle, and church ruins located in villages such as Dedeşen and Kalecik attract attention. Additionally, the annual Kaşar Festival brings both cultural and economic vitality.

^{Animal husbandry in Göle (Göle District National Education Directorate)}

Food Culture

Ardahan flower honey is a special quality honey obtained from the natural flora of the region and produced with the contribution of Caucasian bees. With its transparent and bright structure, it has colors ranging from light amber to dark amber depending on seasonal conditions. Its taste has a slight burning sensation depending on the aroma of honey-bearing plants in the region. This free-flowing honey crystallizes over time at low temperatures. Produced in this region, where the rich vegetation and high altitude of Göle and its surroundings combine, the honey is a natural and high-quality product, free from chemical residues. Pollen collected especially from plants belonging to the Boraginaceae and Fabaceae families determines the honey's unique aroma and value.

Göle kashar cheese is a type of cheese known for its quality. This kashar cheese, prepared using traditional methods for over 100 years, continues to be produced in modern dairies in recent years. Göle's clean nature, endemic plant diversity, and natural environment in its pastures enhance the cheese's flavor and nutritional value. The production process of kashar cheese begins with raw milk and continues by ripening and kneading at specific temperatures. The milk is obtained from animals fed in the high-altitude pastures of the region. Göle kashar cheese has gained an important place in Türkiye and the world with its natural structure and high quality.

^{Göle Kashar Cheese Festival (Göle District Governorship)}