Olur (District)

Olur is an administrative district of Erzurum Province in Türkiye. Geographically, it lies at the intersection of the Black Sea Region and Eastern Anatolia Region. The district features a rugged topography surrounded by forested areas, rivers, and high-altitude plateaus. The district center is situated in the Olur Çayı valley and is approximately 170 kilometers from the city center of Erzurum by road.

Olur (Olur Municipality)

History

Olur and its surroundings have been inhabited by various civilizations throughout history. Archaeological findings indicate that the earliest settlements in the region date back to the Paleolithic era. The area came successively under the rule of the Urartians, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, and Byzantines, and after the 1071 Battle of Manzikert, it passed under the control of the Seljuk State. During the Ottoman Empire, Olur held the status of a kaza within the Kars Sanjak. Following the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye, it became a district of Erzurum Province.

Geography

Olur District is located in the northeastern part of Erzurum Province. Administratively, it borders Şavşat and Ardanuç districts of Artvin Province to the north, Yusufeli district of Artvin Province to the east, Tortum district of Erzurum Province to the south, and Uzundere district of Erzurum Province to the west. The district’s terrain is predominantly mountainous and rugged. Its proximity to the Black Sea Region causes climatic variations distinct from the typical continental climate of Eastern Anatolia. The main water source of the district is the Olur Çayı river and its tributaries. Extensive plateaus and forested vegetation are found at higher elevations.

Climate

Olur District exhibits a transitional climate resulting from the interaction between the Black Sea and continental climates. Summer temperatures average between 20 and 25 °C, while winter temperatures can drop below -10 °C. Annual precipitation is higher than in other parts of Eastern Anatolia. Rainfall is concentrated primarily in spring and autumn, with regular precipitation also occurring during summer months. Snow cover persists for extended periods, especially in high-altitude areas.

Population

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute’s (TÜİK) 2024 Address-Based Population Registration System (ADNKS) data, the population of Olur District is 6,220. Of this, 3,149 are male and 3,071 are female. The district’s population is notably low, primarily due to its predominantly rural settlement pattern, and has decreased by 79.8% compared to the previous year. This decline may be attributed to rural-to-urban migration and other demographic factors.

Economy

The economy of Olur District is primarily based on agriculture and livestock farming. Major agricultural products include wheat, barley, potatoes, beans, and forage crops. Livestock rearing involves both large and small animals. Beekeeping has also developed as an economic activity in recent years. Forestry activities are present in the district. Despite its potential, tourism has not yet made a significant economic contribution.

Tourism, Culture and Cuisine

Olur holds potential for tourism due to its natural beauty and historical structures. The district’s plateaus offer suitable areas for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and mountaineering. Olur Castle and surrounding historical ruins provide insights into the region’s past. Local handicrafts and traditional ways of life are culturally significant attractions.

Olur’s culinary culture reflects the interaction between Black Sea and Eastern Anatolian cuisines. Dishes such as mıhlama, hıngel, cağ kebab, and meals prepared with local herbs are characteristic of the regional cuisine. Additionally, jams, honey, and various types of cheese are produced using local products.

Historical Ruins, Castles, Watchtowers, and Archaeological Sites in Olur and Its Vicinity

Due to its strategic location along key transit routes, Olur and its surroundings have hosted various defensive structures throughout history. Small castles and watchtowers along the Oltu–Olur–Yusufeli route are generally medieval in character and were constructed for control of mountain passes. Some of these structures were repaired and remained in use during the Ottoman period.

Watchtowers: Identified watchtowers in the region include those at Köprübaşı at the Oltu–Olur–Yusufeli junction, Aşağı Karacasu (Aşağı Peneskirt), Beğendik (Pitanos), Kaledibi, Filizli (Keleşat), Keçili (Niyakom), and Sarıbaşık villages. These towers commanded strategic positions in the landscape.

Petrus (Eğlek) Archaeological Site and Castle: Located on Pertus Hill approximately 17 kilometers southwest of the Olur district center. According to tradition, the city of Pertus was founded by the Roman-Pontic king Dikran and is now in ruins. Remains of foundations resembling churches and dwellings can be observed at the site.

Keçili Village Vavuser Tepesi Niyakom (Nikoma, Vank, Kalmahi, Vaçedzori) Monastery: Situated on Vank Hill at the confluence of Ulahur Pass, Vank Creek, and Perisor Mountains, approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Olur. It is 12 kilometers from Çataksu village. The site features a triangular-shaped fortress adapted to the terrain, surrounded on three sides by cliffs, containing cisterns and storage rooms. Near the fortress is a monastery complex that underwent repairs during the Roman-Pontic period. The complex includes a domed church with a closed cross plan, five chapels, two rectangular structures of uncertain function, and a two-story octagonal bell tower. The structures were built using cut stone and lime mortar and feature decorative columns, doors, and windows with botanical motifs.

Çataksu (Tavuzker) Village Church Ruins: Tavuzker, once a significant settlement and an Ottoman sanjak center in the 19th century, was destroyed during the 1877–1878 Russo-Turkish War. In the center of the village, two church remains are visible: one with a circular plan and another with a basilical plan, believed to have belonged to different Christian communities. Parts of both structures have collapsed to foundation level. Standing walls reach heights of 3 to 4 meters in places.

Çataksu (Tavuzker) Village Mosque and Külliyesi: It is known that bey lords from the İshak Paşa lineage of Doğubayazıt resided in Çataksu during the 17th and 18th centuries. The külliye, built in the 17th century by Derviş Mehmed Bey, consists of a palace (now in ruins), a bathhouse (remains exist), a tomb in baldaken style, and a mosque constructed primarily of wood. The mosque, dated H.1082 (M.1671) by an inscription, has undergone repairs and is notable for its painted wooden ceiling, wooden pillars, minbar, and last prayer area.

Çataksu Mosque ( Erzurum Encyclopedia)

Olur Pilgrimage Sites

Karaoğlan Pilgrimage: A single grave surrounded by rubble stones located at the summit of Evigen Mountain in the northeastern part of Yukarı Karacasu (Peneskirt) village. It is traditionally believed to belong to a martyr and is visited by locals.

Mikâf Pilgrimage: Another single grave surrounded by rubble stones, located on Kotek Hill within the boundaries of Ormanağzı (Karnavaz) village. It is believed to belong to a martyr and is visited by the local population.

Sarıbaba Pilgrimage: A single grave surrounded by rubble stones located at the highest point of Sarıbaba Mountains within the boundaries of Olgun (Akurtis) village. It is visited by the local community.