8 places to visit in the Damal district of Ardahan: Damal Dolls, Damal Dolls (Stone Statues) and Damal Castle. Plan your trip to Damal with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Damal is a district of Ardahan Province, and it has the smallest population of all the districts in the province. Every year, between 15 June and 15 July, the silhouette of Atatürk appears on the ridges of Karadağ from 18:00 onwards.
Damal district lies on the road between Ardahan and Posof district. The district covers 165 km². The average height of Damal district centre above sea level is 2,051 metres.
Dadali Turkmens live in the district centre and in all the villages attached to it. Folk dolls known as ‘Damal dolls’ are produced and exported in the district.
The Ottomans took the region from the Samtskhe Atabeylik in 1550. In the 1928 village list, Damal was a subdistrict in the Posof kaza of Kars province. The Damal Music Festivals, held as part of ‘In Atatürk’s Footsteps and Shadow’, take place on the dates when the Atatürk silhouette appears.
The region, known as Kur’a and Meşe Ardahan and attached to the Ardahan-Posof sanjaks, was incorporated into Seljuk territory by Alp Arslan in 1064. In 1453, Turkmens of the Dulkadır-Ulu clan were brought from the Maraş area; they preserved their traditions and settled here. The area is known for the Atatürk silhouette that appears on the Karadağ ridges between 15 June and 15 July every year, and music festivals are held.
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The stone statues known locally as 'Damal Dolls' are found in Damal district and are dated to the Iron Age. These human-shaped stone statues are considered to be grave markers of the region's ancient civilisations.
View on mapThe castle ruins near the centre of Damal district are dated to the Middle Ages. The castle is believed to have been built during the Georgian Kingdom period, and its strategic position close to the Georgian border is notable.
View on mapDamal's high plateaus offer an ideal setting for nature lovers, with wildflowers and green meadows in summer. Traditional plateau life can be experienced on the plateaus.
View on mapA mountain in the north-west of Damal district, known for its snow and smoke.
View on mapDamal is a small district on the Georgian border. The natural beauty of the border area and the views of the Caucasus Mountains give the district a distinctive atmosphere.
View on mapThe silhouette of Atatürk, seen on the ridges of Karadağ every year between 15 June and 15 July.
View on mapWhile you are in Damal, you can also see the highlights of Ardahan province. These places are in other districts.
Goose farming is widespread in Damal, and goose meat is the main protein source in winter. Salted and dried goose meat is served as kavurma or cooked in a tandır oven.
Hangel is prepared by cutting thinly rolled dough into small squares and boiling it. It is served with garlicky yoghurt and sizzling butter poured on top.
Lor Aşı, made with fresh lor cheese, wheat and yoghurt, is one of Damal's traditional winter soups. Its nourishing and filling nature makes it an indispensable dish on cold winter days.
The stone statues found in Damal are called 'Damal Dolls' by the local people. These statues are evidence of the region's cultural richness in the Iron Age and an important part of local identity.
Damal, located on the Georgian border, has been a meeting point of different cultures throughout history. Traces of Georgian, Turkish and Caucasian cultures coexist in the area.
The Damal economy rests largely on livestock farming. Large and small livestock farming and dairy production are the basic sources of livelihood. Beekeeping and honey production also play an important role. Its proximity to the Georgian border means that border trade also contributes to the economy.
Damal is reached by road, 60 km from Ardahan provincial centre. The nearest airport is Kars Harakani Airport (150 km). Regular minibus services run from Ardahan.
The highlights of Damal are eight places: Damal Dolls, Damal Dolls (Stone Statues), Damal Castle, Damal Plateaus, Georgian Border Area, the Atatürk silhouette on Karadağ, Ilgar Mountain and Küçük Tamali Church.
Goose Meat, Hangel and Lor Aşı are the standout dishes on Damal's tables.
Damal is known for the Damal Doll and the Damal Dolls Tradition. It is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.
Damal is reached by road, 60 km from Ardahan provincial centre. The nearest airport is Kars Harakani Airport (150 km). Regular minibus services run from Ardahan.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June-August).