Ardahan

Ardahan is a city situated on a mountain plateau at 1,811 meters (5,945 ft) elevation in northeastern Turkey, positioned near the borders of Georgia and Armenia. The settlement spreads across this highland terrain with views of the surrounding mountains that define the regional landscape.

The region changed control multiple times between the Kingdom of Georgia, the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian Empire before becoming part of Turkey in 1921. These shifts between different powers left marks on the local culture and built environment.

The province maintains traditional carpet and kilim weaving practices, with local patterns representing regional artistic heritage through generations. These crafts remain visible in small workshops and at markets, shaping daily life and connecting people to their roots.

The area experiences freezing temperatures throughout the year, with winters lasting from October through April that require heavy winter clothing and preparation. Visitors should plan for extreme cold and bring adequate warm gear when traveling during these months.

Lake Cildir, the second largest in the region, freezes completely in winter and creates natural ice sheets where local fishermen cut holes to catch fish. This rare natural phenomenon occurs only in the coldest months and shapes the winter landscape in distinctive ways.