This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
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Ispır is a district of Erzurum Province in Türkiye’s Eastern Anatolia Region. Located in the Çoruh River valley to the northeast of Erzurum, Ispır attracts attention with its rich historical past, unique geographical structure, and cultural heritage.
Positioned in the transitional zone between the Black Sea and continental climates, the district stands out for its natural beauty, highland pastures, and historical structures. It also lies along ancient natural and historical routes that connected Eastern Anatolia to the Eastern Black Sea coast and the Caucasus, routes used for military and commercial purposes throughout various historical periods.
The Çoruh River, one of the fastest-flowing rivers in the world, originates within Ispır’s boundaries. With 76,865 hectares of forestland, Ispır is the district of Erzurum with the largest forested area.
Ispır (İspir Municipality)
Ispır and its surroundings, situated along historic transit routes linking Eastern Anatolia to the Eastern Black Sea coast and the Caucasus, have been under the rule of numerous civilizations throughout history including the Hurrians, Urartians, Scythians (Saka), Medes, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Sassanids, Umayyads, Abbasids, Seljuks, Ilkhanids, Kara Koyunlu, Timurids, Ak Koyunlu, the Kingdom of Georgia, and the Ottoman Empire. In Urartian sources, the region is referred to as “Kulka (Qulha).”
Ispır came under Ottoman administration after the 1514 Çaldıran Campaign. In 1515 it gained the status of a sanjak and was attached to the Beylerbeylik of Diyarbakır; in 1520 it was transferred to the Rum Eyalet. In 1535 it was incorporated into the newly established Erzurum Eyalet. According to the 1642 Avarız register, the district had 12 Muslim households, 17 non-Muslim households, 139 soldiers, and 10 religious officials.
The 1835 population register recorded a total male population of 11,308 across 152 settlements including the center, of whom 10,691 were Muslim and 617 were non-Muslim.
Ispır was officially recorded as a nahiye in 1839. In 1880 it was attached to Bayburt; in 1888 it was reincorporated into the central administration of Erzurum and regained its status as a kaza. Between 1892 and 1898 it had 143 villages. A telegraph line was established in 1895–96; postal service between Bayburt and Ispır began in 1900, and the same year a new government mansion was constructed.
During World War I, Ispır remained under Russian occupation from 1916 to 1918. On 25 February 1918, it was reintegrated into Ottoman administration by units of the First Caucasian Corps.
Ispır is located 143 kilometers north of the city center of Erzurum and covers an area of 2,244 square kilometers. The district is surrounded by numerous mountains with elevations ranging between 2,400 and 3,900 meters in the south and north. In addition to the Kaçkar Mountains, significant peaks include Mescit Dağı (3,240 m), Deve Dağı (3,363 m), Sandık Dağı (3,186 m), Dilek Dağı (3,549 m), and the Verçenik Mountains.
The source of the Çoruh River lies within the district’s boundaries. With 76,865 hectares of forestland, Ispır is the district of Erzurum with the largest forested area.
Ispır lies in a transitional zone between continental and Black Sea climates and is generally under the influence of a continental climate. Compared to other districts of Erzurum, it experiences milder winter conditions. The high mountains surrounding the northern and southern parts of the district contribute to greater local climatic diversity.
As one moves along the Çoruh Valley toward Yusufeli, microclimatic effects become more pronounced. In this area, it is possible to cultivate heat-loving plants such as pomegranate, rice, and paddy. The region also lies along a migratory bird route and hosts numerous bird species.
Ispır (İspir Muftiate)
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute’s Address-Based Population Registration System (ADNKS) 2024 data, Ispır’s total population is 11,453. In 2017, the population was 14,469. There has been a decline in population over time. Numerous rural neighborhoods exist outside the district center, and a significant portion of the population is engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. A portion of the younger population has migrated to large cities.
The district’s economy is largely based on agriculture and animal husbandry. Mulberry and mulberry products (pestil, pekmez, dried mulberries, etc.), especially the geographically indicated “Ispır Bean,” are primary sources of livelihood. In recent years, greenhouse farming, beekeeping, and artificial aquaculture have also developed. Due to limited arable land, labor migration and particularly baking are widespread in the district.
Ispır Castle (İspir District Governorship)
Ispır, situated at the intersection of Eastern Anatolia and the Eastern Black Sea regions, possesses a rich cultural structure. The district is notable for its blend of Eastern Anatolian bar games and Black Sea traditional horon dances. The most common musical instruments are the tulum, davul, and zurna. The region also stands out for its folk literature, atma folk song tradition, and cuisine, forming a distinctive cultural synthesis. Its culinary culture reflects this synthesis, with beans, meat dishes, and mulberry-based products taking center stage.
The district contains numerous historical and natural sites. Among the most prominent are:
In addition, hiking and climbing routes such as Yedigöller (Çamlıkaya), Taşlıca-Hotar, Ardıçlı-Devedağı, Sırakonaklar-Davalı Yayla-Kaçkar, and Çamlıca Yaylası attract interest. Archaeological remains include Akkoyunlu Ruins, Numanpaşa Village Ruins, Saltukid Graves, Petekli Monastery, Sandık Castle, Maden Castle, and Cankurtaran Castle.
History
Geography
Climate
Population and Demographics
Economy
Culture, Social Structure and Cuisine