Things to Know

Ardahan is a relatively recent province in Turkey, which was previously a district of Kars. It is situated on a mountainous plateau, with most of its population residing in rural areas. The main source of income for the people is agriculture, and carpet weaving plays a significant role, particularly for young girls in the region.


The city of Ardahan is surrounded by many small rivers and lakes, with Cildir Lake being the largest. During the winter, the lake freezes completely, and fishermen drill holes in the ice to catch fish. The region is also home to a wide variety of bird species.


Akcakale Island is a man-made island located in the lake, allegedly built with the labor of thousands of workers. It is home to a temple that contains Urartian inscriptions. Another notable lake, Lake Aktas, sits on the border between Turkey and Georgia, at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) above sea level. This shallow lake is dotted with small islands created by floating grass and plants.


Although a small city, Ardahan is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. The oldest known document from the region is a stone inscription dating back to the 9th century BC, discovered in Cildir Lake. People have lived in this area since the 8th century BC. Throughout its history, the city has been captured by several empires, including the Seljuk Sultan Alparslan in 1069 AD and the Ottomans in 1551.


For any questions or inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected], or simply message us on WhatsApp, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.


Places to Visit in Ardahan


Geographically Indicated Products in Ardahan