Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source 7 places to visit in the Uzundere district of Erzurum: Tortum Waterfall, Tortum Lake and Öşkvank (Öşk Vank) Kilisesi. Plan your trip to Uzundere with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Uzundere is a district of Erzurum province and the seat of this district. The district covers an area of 505 km². The average elevation of the district centre above sea level is 1,093 metres.
The old name of the Uzundere settlement is Azort, recorded as Azorti in Georgian sources. In the Middle Ages, the village of Azort was part of the Tao region of Georgia. The Ottomans took this region from the Georgians around the middle of the 16th century. According to the Ottoman mufassal register of 1574, the village belonged to the Haho nahiye of the Oltu sanjak and had 243 households. Because Azort is not a Turkish word, the village was renamed Uzundere in the first half of the 1950s. Uzundere, a nahiye of Tortum district, separated from that district in 1987 to become a district in its own right. Uzundere was granted the title of “quiet town” (sakin kent) in March 2016.
The district generally has a Black Sea climate. The average annual rainfall in Uzundere is 304.4 mm.
The monastery was built between 963 and 973 by King David and Prince Bagrat, sons of Kuropalates Adarnase of Georgia, and was dedicated to John the Baptist. Engüzek Castle stands on a rock rising from the riverbank, on the Uzundere–Tortum road, like a bend in the road.
The former name of the district is Azort. According to the district governorship’s website, the district’s history goes back 3,000 years. Uzundere became a district from a subdistrict centre attached to Tortum in the administrative reform of 1987. According to the district governorship’s website, the people migrated to western Anatolia in 1916. According to the same website, the district was liberated from the occupation of Russian and Armenian gangs on 16 March 1918. The district was granted the title of “quiet town” in March 2016.
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Within the boundaries of Uzundere, Tortum Waterfall drops from a height of about 48 metres and is one of the largest natural waterfalls in Türkiye. It was formed by the release of the excess water of Lake Tortum, which was created by a landslide.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source The lake, on the Uzundere–Tortum border, is a natural reservoir formed by a landslide. With its turquoise waters and surrounding mountain scenery, it is one of the most beautiful lakes in Eastern Anatolia.
View on mapBuilt in the 10th century during the reign of the Georgian King David III, Öşkvank Church is one of the most important examples of Georgian architecture in Anatolia. Its stone reliefs and frescoes make it highly valued in art history.
View on mapWith its frozen waterfalls and ice formations in winter, Uzundere is one of Türkiye's most important ice climbing centres. The district hosts international ice climbing festivals and attracts extreme sports enthusiasts.
View on mapA castle within the boundaries of Dikyar Village in Uzundere district, 3 km from the district centre.
View on mapWhile you are in Uzundere, you can also see the highlights of Erzurum province. These places are in other districts; Uzundere is about 80 km from the provincial centre.
Prepared by roasting lamb on a horizontal spit over a wood fire, Cağ Kebabı has a special flavour thanks to the meat of sheep raised on Uzundere's highlands.
A traditional soup made with yoghurt, bulgur and mint. It is a nourishing dish that never goes missing from Uzundere's tables on cold winter days.
A traditional börek made by wrapping a filling of curd cheese and herbs in yufka pastry. It is one of the distinctive flavours of Uzundere cuisine.
Uzundere was under the influence of the Georgian Kingdom in the 10th century, and important structures such as Öşkvank Church were built during that time. This architectural heritage is concrete evidence of the region's multicultural past.
In recent years, Uzundere has begun to be known for its international ice climbing festivals. Waterfalls and ice formations that freeze in winter have made the district a meeting point for extreme sports enthusiasts.
Uzundere's economy is based on livestock farming, agriculture and tourism. Tortum Waterfall, Lake and the ice climbing routes generate tourism revenue. Small livestock farming and beekeeping are the main sources of livelihood.
Uzundere is about 80 km from Erzurum city centre. Transport is provided via the Erzurum–Artvin road. The nearest airport is Erzurum Airport. The district can be reached by minibus services.
The 7 highlights of Uzundere: Tortum Waterfall, Tortum Lake, Öşkvank (Öşk Vank) Church, Ice Climbing Routes, Engüzek Castle, Yedigöller and Oşki Church.
Cağ Kebabı, Ayran Aşı and Lor Dolması are the highlights of Uzundere's tables.
Uzundere is known for Uzundere Honey and the Georgian Architectural Heritage. Flower honey gathered from the district's high highland pastures is aromatic and high quality, thanks to the rich flora.
Uzundere is about 80 km from Erzurum city centre. Transport is provided via the Erzurum–Artvin road. The nearest airport is Erzurum Airport. The district can be reached by minibus services.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and summer (nature), winter (ice climbing).