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4 places to visit in the central district of Ardahan: Kura River Valley, Yalnızçam Ski Centre and Lake Çıldır. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The district covers 1,261 km² and lies at an altitude of 1,793 metres. The Kura River runs the full length of the lava plateau in the middle of the province, and it is surrounded by the Yalnızçam Mountains, which rise above 3,000 metres, and Kısır Mountain.

History

The Ottomans took the region in the mid-16th century, and the city is recorded as Rabat-ı Kala-i Parakan in a land survey register of 1595. Ardahan passed to Russia in the 1877-1878 Russo-Turkish War and rejoined Türkiye under the 1921 Treaty of Moscow.

Climate and Geography

In winter, Lake Çıldır freezes from one end to the other, and horse-drawn sledges travel across the lake.

History and Culture

Ardahan Castle was restored on the orders of Suleiman the Magnificent. The layout of its towers and walls resembles Rumeli Hisarı. Excavations show that there has been settlement around Ardahan Castle since the Early Bronze Age.

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Places to Visit in Ardahan Central District

  • 1 Historic
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Attraction
Nature

Kura River Valley

The Kura River runs the full length of the lava plateau in the middle of the province.

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Attraction

Yalnızçam Ski Centre

A ski centre 22 km from the provincial centre.

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Nature

Lake Çıldır

Horse-drawn sledge tours are held on the lake, which freezes in winter.

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Historic

Ardahan Castle

A castle in Ardahan city centre, on the banks of the Kura River.

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What to Eat in Ardahan Central District

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  • Goose Meat

    Goose meat, Ardahan's best-known delicacy, is prepared by salting and drying geese slaughtered in autumn. In winter it is served as kavurma or cooked in a tandır oven.

  • Ardahan Civil Cheese

    Civil cheese made from the milk of animals grazing on the high plateaus is known for its fine, thread-like texture. Eaten fresh or dried, this cheese is a geographically indicated product of Ardahan.

  • Lor Dolması

    Prepared by wrapping fresh lor cheese in yufka pastry and baking it, lor dolması is one of the traditional flavours of Ardahan cuisine. It is served drizzled with melted butter and red pepper sauce.

  • Hangel (Noodles)

    Prepared by cutting thinly rolled dough into small squares and boiling it, hangel is served with garlicky yoghurt and melted butter poured on top. It is an indispensable dish on Ardahan's winter tables.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Ardahan Central District

  • 93 Harbi Heritage

    The 1877-78 Russo-Turkish War (93 Harbi) left deep marks on Ardahan's history. After the war, Ardahan remained under Russian rule for 40 years, and Russian architecture from this period has become part of the town's fabric.

  • Caucasian Culture

    Because of its location on the Georgian border, Ardahan has been influenced by Caucasian culture. The city is multicultural, with Terekeme Turks, Kurds and communities of Georgian origin living together.

  • Plateau Culture

    The people of Ardahan go up to the high plateaus in summer to raise livestock. Plateau festivals, traditional music and cirit games are important parts of this culture.

Local Products

  • Ardahan Honey — Honey obtained from the endemic vegetation of the high plateaus is known for its dark colour and intense aroma. Gathered especially from keven and alfalfa flowers, it is the region's most valuable agricultural product.
  • Kaşar Cheese — Kaşar cheese produced from the milk of animals grazing on Ardahan's high plateaus is known for its yellow colour and distinctive flavour. The variety matured as old kaşar is especially in demand.
  • Gravyer Cheese — Swiss-type gravyer cheese is produced in Ardahan. Made by traditional methods in the local dairies, gravyer is known for its firm texture and hazelnut aroma.

Economy

The economy of Ardahan Centre district rests largely on livestock farming. Large and small livestock are raised on the high plateaus, and milk and dairy products are an important source of income. Kaşar cheese, civil cheese and honey are the main export products. Yalnızçam Ski Centre contributes to winter tourism. Ardahan University was founded in 2008 and contributes to the educational and economic life of the city.

How to Get to Ardahan Central District

Ardahan is reached by road, 92 km from Kars and 280 km from Erzurum. The nearest airport is Kars Harakani Airport (92 km). Intercity bus services connect it with Ankara, Istanbul and neighbouring provinces. The Georgian border is 35 km away via the Türkgözü Border Gate.

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Ardahan Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main things to see in Ardahan Centre?

The highlights of Ardahan Centre are four places: Kura River Valley, Yalnızçam Ski Centre, Lake Çıldır and Ardahan Castle.

What should I eat in Ardahan Centre?

Goose Meat, Ardahan Civil Cheese, Lor Dolması and Hangel (Noodles) are the standout dishes on Ardahan Centre's tables.

What is Ardahan Centre famous for?

Ardahan Centre is known for Ardahan Honey and the 93 Harbi Heritage. The honey, with its dark colour and intense aroma, comes from the endemic vegetation of the high plateaus. Gathered especially from keven and alfalfa flowers, it is the region's most valuable agricultural product.

How do I get to Ardahan Centre?

Ardahan is reached by road, 92 km from Kars and 280 km from Erzurum. The nearest airport is Kars Harakani Airport (92 km). Intercity bus services connect it with Ankara, Istanbul and neighbouring provinces. The Georgian border is 35 km away via the Türkgözü Border Gate.

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