Ardahan Province

Ardahan is a province in northeastern Turkey characterized by mountainous terrain and high plateaus, sharing borders with Georgia and the provinces of Artvin and Erzurum. It is divided into six districts: Ardahan, Çıldır, Damal, Göle, Hanak, and Posof.

The territory passed through Armenian, Georgian, Ottoman, and Russian control across centuries before Turkey regained it in 1921 through the Treaty of Kars. This contested history shaped the region's mixed heritage.

Shepherds move their flocks across mountain pastures in summer, and villagers maintain traditional farming practices that shape the daily rhythm of life across the districts. These customs remain visible in how people work the land and organize their communities.

The best time to visit is May through September when mountain passes remain open and roads are passable. Winter can make many areas hard to reach, as heavy snow blocks routes and conditions become harsh.

Lake Çıldır freezes completely in winter, creating a natural ice surface where local fishermen cut holes to catch fish beneath the frozen layer. This seasonal transformation is remarkable and few travelers know about it.

Location: Turkey

Capital city: Ardahan

Part of: Ağrı Subregion

Shares border with: Artvin Province

Website: http://ardahan.gov.tr

GPS coordinates: 41.11306,42.82083

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:22