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7 places to visit in the Hanak district of Ardahan: Kura River Canyon, Şeytan Castle and Hanak Castle. Plan your trip to Hanak with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Hanak is a district of Ardahan Province and the seat of that district, a town. The district covers 647 km² and lies at an altitude of 1,825 metres. Made a district in 1958, Hanak is bounded to the east and south by the Kura River.

History

Hanak remained under Ottoman administration for a long time before passing to the Russian Empire in the 1877-1878 Russo-Turkish War.

Geography

The district was founded in a valley through which the Kura River passes at the south-eastern corner and where important rivers such as the Çaytetik stream flow.

History and Culture

Until recent times, Hanak was the common name of three villages. Hanak became a district and district centre in 1958. The Hanak town, which became the centre of the district attached to Ardahan in 1992, is known to have had village churches in the past.

Highlights

The Turkmens of Hanak-Damal/Meşe Ardahan were brought by Uzun Hasan. Sevimli Castle has the features of Urartian castles.

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Places to Visit in Hanak

  • 2 Historic
  • 3 Religious
  • 2 Nature
Nature

Kura River Canyon

The Kura River flows through the south-eastern corner of the district.

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Historic

Şeytan Castle

Within the boundaries of Hanak district, Şeytan Castle stands on steep cliffs in the middle of the Kura River canyon. Built in the Urartian period in the 8th-9th centuries BC, it is one of Türkiye's most dramatic castle ruins, rising from the canyon floor.

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Historic

Hanak Castle

Castle ruins near the centre of Hanak district, dated to the Middle Ages. The castle is believed to have been built during the Georgian Kingdom period and became part of the region's defensive line because of its strategic position.

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Nature

Hanak Plateaus

Hanak's high plateaus offer an ideal setting for nature lovers, with green meadows and wildflowers in summer. Traditional tent camping can be done on the plateaus, and local plateau culture can be experienced.

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Religious

Nakalakevi Monastery

A monastery in Hanak district, in the former village of Büyük Nakalakevi, now called Çayağzı.

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Religious

Old Veli Church

A single-nave church built in 954 in the village of Old Veli (Sevimli).

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Religious

Eruşeti Episcopal Church

In the village of Eruşeti (Oğuzyolu), one of the oldest centres of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

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Places to Visit Around Ardahan Province

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While you are in Hanak, you can also see the highlights of Ardahan province. These places are in other districts.

  • Çıldır Lake — Covering 123 km² on the border of Ardahan and Kars, this is the largest freshwater lake in Eastern Anatolia, at an altitude of 1,959 metres and up to 42 metres deep.
  • Horse-Drawn Sleigh Tour on Çıldır Lake — When the lake freezes (usually January–February), horse-drawn sleighs set off from the villages on the shore for tours across the ice.
  • Ardahan Castle — A medieval castle with a rectangular plan and 14 towers on the bank of the Kura River in the city centre; it appears in Ottoman records as Parakan Castle.
  • Ardahan Congress Building — The historic building in the Halilefendi neighbourhood, just below Ardahan Castle, where the Ardahan Congress met during the War of Independence; it is a memorial to the recent history of the city.
  • Akçakale and the Island in Çıldır Lake — The village of Akçakale (Georgian Tetrtsihe, 'white castle'), 20 km from Çıldır, is linked to an island in the lake by a stone-filled causeway built in the 19th century.
  • Kura River — Flowing across the whole Ardahan plateau, the river passes through Georgia and Azerbaijan and reaches the Caspian Sea.

Practical Information for Visiting Hanak

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Summer months (June-August)
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Hanak

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  • Hanak Tel Cheese

    Hanak Tel Cheese was registered as a protected designation of origin on 8 April 2024 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1563). Product group: cheeses. Registered by: Ardahan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

  • Goose Meat

    Goose farming is widespread in Hanak, and goose meat is the main food source in winter. Salted and dried goose meat is eaten as kavurma or cooked in a tandır oven.

  • Kesme Soup

    Kesme soup, made by cooking pieces of thinly cut dough in meat broth and yoghurt, is an indispensable dish on Hanak's cold winter days. Sizzling butter and mint are added on top.

  • Çiriş Herb Kavurma

    Çiriş herb gathered from the plateaus in spring is prepared by frying it with eggs and onions. Growing on Hanak's high plateaus, this plant is one of the distinctive flavours of the local cuisine.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Hanak

  • Caucasian Border Culture

    Close to the Georgian border, Hanak has been influenced by Caucasian culture. Terekeme Turks and Kurdish communities live together in the area, and traditional music and folk dances reflect this cultural diversity.

  • Plateau Migration

    The people of Hanak migrate with their herds to the high plateaus in summer. This tradition has been maintained for centuries, and plateau life is a cornerstone of local culture.

Local Products

  • Honey — Honey obtained from the rich vegetation of Hanak's high plateaus is known for its dark colour and intense aroma. Beekeeping is an important source of livelihood in the area.
  • Civil Cheese — Civil cheese produced in Hanak is known for its fine, thread-like texture. It is made by traditional methods from the milk of animals grazing on the high plateaus.

Economy

The economy of Hanak 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. The tourism potential of Şeytan Castle has grown in recent years, and visitor numbers are expected to rise with restoration work.

How to Get to Hanak

Hanak is reached by road, 30 km from Ardahan provincial centre. The nearest airport is Kars Harakani Airport (120 km). Regular minibus services run from Ardahan.

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Hanak: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main things to see in Hanak?

The highlights of Hanak are seven places: Kura River Canyon, Şeytan Castle, Hanak Castle, Hanak Plateaus, Nakalakevi Monastery, Old Veli Church and Eruşeti Episcopal Church.

What should I eat in Hanak?

Hanak Tel Cheese, Goose Meat, Kesme Soup and Çiriş Herb Kavurma are the standout dishes on Hanak's tables.

What is Hanak famous for?

Hanak is known for honey and its Caucasian Border Culture. The honey, with its dark colour and intense aroma, comes from the rich vegetation of Hanak's high plateaus. Beekeeping is an important source of livelihood in the area.

How do I get to Hanak?

Hanak is reached by road, 30 km from Ardahan provincial centre. The nearest airport is Kars Harakani Airport (120 km). Regular minibus services run from Ardahan.

How long should I spend in Hanak?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June-August).

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