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5 places to visit in the Tortum district of Erzurum: Hahuli Monastery, Tortum Waterfall and Tortum Lake. Plan your trip to Tortum with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Tortum is a district of Erzurum Province and the seat of the district. The district covers an area of 1,463 km².

Etymology

Tortum, in Georgian Tortomi or Tortum, was once only the name of the region. The former name of today’s Tortum town was Nihahi. After 1928 the name Tortum was given to Nihah.

History

The history of Tortum goes back a very long way, but there is no certain information about when and by whom the first settlement in the area was made. Archaeological research near Tortum shows that the area had a prehistoric settlement character and belonged to the Karaz Culture. In ancient sources, the Tortum region is shown within the borders of the land of the Taokhs. The settlement was taken from Byzantium in 1080 and joined the lands of the Saltukids. Tortum was recaptured by the Ottomans in 1537 and was definitively incorporated into Ottoman rule with the Georgian campaign of 1549.

Geography

The district lies in the north of Erzurum, in the Black Sea Region. Built on a narrow, long valley, the district’s terrain is very mountainous and rugged. It is 52 km from Erzurum. Among the sources for the name Tortum is the Tor tribe, mentioned in Georgian sources together with the Mesxi; the name has survived to the present as the name of the area where they settled and of a castle.

Culture and Tourism

Culturally, Tortum has a very colourful character, dominated by Caucasian, Erzurum and Eastern Black Sea cultures. Every spring, Karakucak wrestling is held in festival atmosphere in the Pehlivanlı town of Tortum.

History and Culture

Tortum is a district of Erzurum Province and is the district centre. The region was definitively incorporated into Ottoman rule with the Georgian campaign of 1549. The settlement took the name Tortum after the name Nihah.

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Places to Visit in Tortum

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
Religious

Hahuli Monastery

Known as Haho, Hahuli Monastery is a Georgian monastery built in 976–1001 by David III Kuropalates of Tao.

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Nature

Tortum Waterfall

Falling from a height of about 48 metres, Tortum Waterfall is one of the largest natural waterfalls in Türkiye. It is formed by the overflow of Tortum Lake, which was created by a landslide, and is at its most spectacular in spring.

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Tortum Lake - Tortum Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source
Nature

Tortum Lake

About 8 km long and at an altitude of 1,000 metres, Tortum Lake is a natural dam lake formed by a landslide. With its turquoise waters and mountain scenery, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in Eastern Anatolia.

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Historic

Tortum (Haho) Church

Haho Church, built in the 10th century under the Georgian King David III, is one of the most important examples of Georgian architecture in Anatolia. Its stone reliefs, frescoes and domed structure give it great architectural value.

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Tortum Castle - Tortum Photo: Jaba1977 (Attribution) · Source
Historic

Tortum Castle

The castle, on a rock overlooking the Tortum Stream valley, reflects the strategic importance of the region with its walls from the Byzantine period. Views of Tortum Lake and the valley can be enjoyed from the castle ruins.

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Places to Visit Around Erzurum Province

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While you are in Tortum, you can also see the highlights of Erzurum province. These places are in other districts; Tortum is about 100 km from the provincial centre.

  • Çifte Minareli Madrasa — The symbol of the city, a two-storey Seljuk madrasa with an open courtyard, built in the mid-13th century.
  • Yakutiye Madrasa — Built in 1310 by Hoca Cemalettin Yakut during the reign of the Ilkhanid ruler Öljeitü, this is the largest madrasa with a covered courtyard in Anatolia.
  • Erzurum Grand Mosque — Built in 1179 under the Saltukid ruler Melik Nasirüddin Muhammed, this is the oldest and largest mosque in the city, also known as the Atabey Mosque.
  • Three Tombs (Üç Kümbetler) — Three monumental tombs south of the Çifte Minareli Madrasa, dating from the 12th to 14th centuries.
  • Erzurum Castle and Clock Tower — The inner citadel on the highest point of the city, founded in the Byzantine period and repaired under the Saltukids and the Ottomans.
  • Lala Mustafa Paşa Mosque — A classical Ottoman mosque attributed to Mimar Sinan, built in 1562–1563 for Lala Mustafa Paşa, the beylerbey of Erzurum.

Practical Information for Visiting Tortum

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer (May–September)
Places to visit
5 places

What to Eat in Tortum

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  • Cağ Kebabı (horizontal spit-roasted lamb)

    Prepared by turning lamb on a horizontal spit over a wood fire, cağ kebabı has a distinctive flavour from the meat of sheep raised on Tortum's plateaus.

  • Ayran Aşı (yoghurt and wheat soup)

    A traditional soup made with yoghurt, cracked wheat and mint. It is a nourishing dish that never leaves the tables of Tortum on cold winter days.

  • Lor Dolması (cheese and herb pastry)

    A traditional pastry made by wrapping a filling of lor cheese and herbs in yufka. It is one of the distinctive flavours of Tortum cuisine.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Tortum

  • Georgian Architectural Heritage

    Tortum came under the influence of the Georgian Kingdom in the 10th century, and important structures such as Haho Church were left from this period. This architectural heritage is concrete evidence of the region's multicultural past.

  • Historic Trade Route

    Throughout history, Tortum held a strategic position on the trade route extending from Erzurum to Artvin and Georgia. This position has shaped the cultural diversity and historical richness of the district.

Local Products

  • Tortum Sour Pestil (sour fruit leather) — Tortum Ekşi Pestili was registered as a protected geographical indication on 29 January 2024 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1528). Product group: chocolate, confectionery and derivative products. Registered by: Tortum Municipality.
  • Tortum Honey — Flower honey gathered from the high plateaus of the district, an aromatic and high-quality product thanks to its rich flora.
  • Civil Cheese (shredded cheese) — Civil cheese, made from fresh milk and separated into strands, is produced in Tortum by traditional methods.

Economy

The economy of Tortum is based on livestock farming, agriculture and tourism. Tortum Waterfall and Lake provide significant tourism income. Small livestock farming and beekeeping are the main sources of livelihood. In agriculture, wheat, barley and fruit growing are carried out.

How to Get to Tortum

Tortum is about 100 km from Erzurum city centre. Access is via the Erzurum–Artvin highway. The nearest airport is Erzurum Airport. The district can be reached by intercity bus and minibus services.

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Tortum: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Tortum?

The 5 main attractions in Tortum: Hahuli Monastery, Tortum Waterfall, Tortum Lake, Tortum (Haho) Church and Tortum Castle.

What is there to eat in Tortum?

Cağ Kebabı, Ayran Aşı and Lor Dolması are the standout flavours of Tortum's tables.

What is Tortum famous for?

Tortum is known for Tortum Sour Pestil and Georgian Architectural Heritage. A product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.

How do I get to Tortum?

Tortum is about 100 km from Erzurum city centre. Access is via the Erzurum–Artvin highway. The nearest airport is Erzurum Airport. The district can be reached by intercity bus and minibus services.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Tortum?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and summer (May–September).

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