Photo: Okuyangenckiz (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 3 places to visit in the Susuz district of Kars: Susuz Castle, Susuz Plateaus and Aygır Lake. Plan your trip to Susuz with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Susuz is a district of Kars province, surrounded by Arpaçay, Kars central district, Çıldır, Göle and Ardahan central district. It is the least populous district in Kars.
The district is famous for its green meadows and wetlands, which contrast with its name (susuz means “waterless”). Some 43 percent of the district’s area is covered by meadows and pastures.
Research in the Cılavuzdere area has uncovered remains believed to date from the Lower Palaeolithic period. The region came under Urartian rule in the 9th century BC. Later, under the Urartian king Sarduri II, it was extended in the 8th century BC to the lands west of Lake Sevan. The Cimmerians and Scythians invaded the area, and the Medes ended Urartian rule in 560 BC. The Romans defeated Tigranes II of the Artaxiad dynasty and took the region. In 1064, the Seljuk ruler Alp Arslan took control of the area, and the Ani-Shaddadid government, centred on Ani, was founded under Seljuk authority.
Twenty percent of the population works in agriculture, 60 percent in animal husbandry and livestock farming, 10 percent in trade, and 10 percent in services. The district’s main economy rests on agriculture and livestock, with cattle and sheep raised.
Susuz became known for the Cilavuz Village Institute (Köy Enstitüsü) founded there. Susuz was declared a district in 1959. People from different regions, living together for about 90 years, have emphasised the law of brotherhood.
Susuz is a district of Kars province, surrounded by Arpaçay, Kars central district, Çıldır, Göle and Ardahan central district. In the Cilavuz Dere lowlands and on the Kars Plateau in Susuz district, a hand axe of the shoe-last (şölyen-aşölyen) type, dated to the Lower Palaeolithic period, was found. Susuz Waterfall lies on the Kars–Ardahan road and has a drop of 75 metres.
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Castle ruins on the hill above the district centre, dating from the Seljuk period. The structure is an important example of the region's historical heritage. Its walls still show arrow slits (mazgal) and towers, traces of defensive architecture.
View on mapThe plateaus in the high parts of Susuz, favoured for summer rest thanks to their cool air and natural beauty.
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Photo: Okuyangenckiz (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source A volcanic dam lake in Susuz district, at an altitude of 2,300 metres above sea level.
View on mapWhile you are in Susuz, you can also see the highlights of Kars province. These places are in other districts.
Kaşar cheese produced on Susuz's plateaus, one of the finer varieties of Kars kaşarı.
A type of mantı specific to Kars, made by boiling large pieces of dough filled with minced meat. It can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home restaurants.
Susuz is a district with a strong livestock culture, thanks to its high-altitude plateaus.
Susuz's economy rests on livestock farming and agriculture. Dairy production is the main source of income.
Susuz is 50 km from Kars. Minibus services run from Kars.
The 3 standout places in Susuz are Susuz Castle, Susuz Plateaus and Aygır Lake.
Kars Kaşarı and Hangel are the standout flavours on Susuz's tables.
Susuz is known for Susuz Kaşarı and its Plateau Livestock Culture. The kaşar cheese produced on Susuz's high plateaus is made using traditional methods.
Susuz is 50 km from Kars. Minibus services run from Kars.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: summer months.