5 places to visit in the Murgul district of Artvin: Murgul Copper Mine, Murgul Dam and Lake and Murgul Forests. Plan your trip to Murgul with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Murgul is a district of Artvin province, and the administrative centre of that district, a town. The district covers an area of 74 km² and lies at an altitude of 386 metres. It is the least populous district in the province.
As a settlement, Murgul emerged in the mid-20th century. The town of Murgul was founded in May 1955 by merging the neighbourhoods of Aduça and Aşağı Küre.
The town of Murgul was founded in 1955 by merging the neighbourhoods of Damar and Küre villages. The Murgul Copper Factory, opened in 1901, increased the importance of the area. After Artvin was left to Türkiye, Murgul became a nahiye attached to the Borçka kaza.
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The copper mine that has shaped Murgul's history has been operated since the Ottoman period. Modernised by Etibank in the Republican era, the mine is the most important factor determining the district's economic and social structure.
View on mapThe dam built on the Murgul Stream stands out for the lake view it creates. Surrounded by green forests, the lake is a suitable area for picnics and nature walks.
View on mapMost of Murgul district is covered by spruce and pine forests. With rich vegetation and wildlife, it is an area waiting to be explored by nature lovers.
View on mapThe plateaus in the high parts of Murgul offer an ideal setting for nature lovers in summer, with cool air and green meadows. Traditional plateau life can be experienced in the highlands.
View on mapTowards Murgul / Küre, a memorial built in 1914 in memory of those who fell as martyrs.
View on mapWhile you are in Murgul, you can also see the highlights of Artvin province. These places are in other districts.
Kuymak, made with cornmeal, butter and civil cheese, is the traditional dish of Murgul. It is served stirred continuously over a fire until it reaches a stretchy consistency.
Collard green leaves wrapped around a rice filling, this sarma is an indispensable winter dish of Murgul cuisine.
Traditional bread baked on a griddle or in an oven from cornmeal, the basic food of Murgul tables. It is eaten with cheese and butter.
Murgul has a town culture shaped by copper mining. The mining operation set up by Etibank in the Republican era determined the social structure and urban fabric of the district.
The people of Murgul go up to the high plateaus in summer to raise livestock. Plateau festivals and traditional music are important parts of the local culture.
The economy of Murgul rests on copper mining, forestry and livestock farming. The copper mine is the district's most important economic activity. Forestry and timber production are also among its sources of income. Cattle farming and beekeeping are traditional livelihoods.
Murgul is reached by road, 45 km from Artvin city centre and 25 km from Borçka. The nearest airport is Rize-Artvin Airport (130 km). There are regular minibus services from Artvin and Borçka.
The highlights of Murgul are 5 sites: Murgul Copper Mine, Murgul Dam and Lake, Murgul Forests, Murgul Plateaus and Küre Martyrs' Memorial.
Kuymak, Karalahana Sarması and Mısır Ekmeği are the standout flavours on Murgul tables.
Murgul is known for honey and Mining Town Culture. Honey obtained from Murgul's forest and plateau areas is known for its quality. Beekeeping is an important livelihood in the region.
Murgul is reached by road, 45 km from Artvin city centre and 25 km from Borçka. The nearest airport is Rize-Artvin Airport (130 km). There are regular minibus services from Artvin and Borçka.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: summer months (June-August).