4 places to visit in the Pazaryolu district of Erzurum: Medieval castle ruins, Pazaryolu plateaus and Norgah Castle. Plan your trip to Pazaryolu with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Pazaryolu is a district of Erzurum province, located in the Black Sea Region. The district covers 654 km² and sits at an altitude of 1,489 metres above sea level. It lies 124 km from the provincial centre and borders Rize and Bayburt.
In Turkish sources, the district’s old name appears as Norgah or Norkah. The Georgian chronicle Kartlis Tshovreba refers to a settlement called Norakalaki (new city). The name Norakalaki combines the Armenian “nor”, meaning new, and the Georgian “kalaki”, meaning city, so it means “new city”. At the beginning of the 14th century, the Turkmen bey Azat Musa, who had invaded Georgia, was defeated in 1301 by Sargis of the Georgian Cakeli dynasty. In 1964 the bucak of Norgâh was renamed Pazaryolu, and in 1989 it separated from İspir to gain district status.
The district economy is generally based on workers living abroad (gurbetçilik) and on farming. The Pazaryolu area is one of Türkiye’s ideal centres for intensive beekeeping. Its geological structure, soil and vegetation produce honey of high value and quality.
The Çoruh River, which flows through the district, is very suitable for various water sports. Thanks to this feature, the district has become an attraction especially for domestic and foreign tourists who want to go rafting.
The Ottomans took Norakalaki from the Georgians in the first half of the 16th century. Monuments from the Seljuk and Genoese periods, such as a castle and a hammam, survive today. Much of the novel Kıyamet Emeklisi is set in Ayçukuru village in Pazaryolu.
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A castle built with mortar on a small rock outcrop beside the settlement known as Orta Norgah (Kümbettepe) in Pazaryolu. It is believed that this castle was where Sragis, son of the Georgian ruler I. Beka Cakeli, captured Azat Musa after defeating him.
View on mapHigh plateaus stretching towards the Rize border, offering green and cool views in the summer months.
View on mapA historic castle built with mortar on a rock, beside the Orta Norgah (Kümbettepe) settlement.
View on mapThe Çoruh River flows through the district and is suitable for rafting and other water sports.
View on mapWhile you are in Pazaryolu, you can also see the highlights of Erzurum province. These places are in other districts; Pazaryolu is about 124 km from the provincial centre.
Cağ kebabı, cooked on a horizontal spit over a wood fire, is a symbol of Erzurum cuisine.
A walnut-filled sweet from Erzurum.
The district's famous honey, produced thanks to the geological structure and vegetation of the area.
Lying between the Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia, the district keeps alive its plateau traditions.
The economy rests on livestock farming and agriculture.
Pazaryolu is 124 km from Erzurum city centre. The district is linked by road to Bayburt and İspir.
Four highlights in Pazaryolu: Medieval castle ruins, Pazaryolu plateaus, Norgah Castle and the Çoruh River.
Cağ Kebabı, Kadayıf Dolması and Pazaryolu honey are the signature flavours on Pazaryolu's tables.
Pazaryolu is known for Plateau Honey and Livestock Products and for its Plateau Culture. Beekeeping and livestock farming are carried out on the high plateaus.
Pazaryolu is 124 km from Erzurum city centre. The district is linked by road to Bayburt and İspir.
Suggested visit: half a day. Best time to visit: July–September.