Artvin Guide

Artvin: A Hidden Gem in Northeastern Turkey

🏞️ Nestled on a large hill overlooking the stunning Coruh River, Artvin is a breathtaking city in northeastern Turkey, just 30 km inland from the Black Sea. With the Deriner Dam nearby and Artvin Coruh University at its heart, the city is both a natural wonder and an academic hub.

⏳ Though Artvin’s history is rich and layered, it has not been as extensively studied as other regions, leaving many mysteries still waiting to be uncovered.

A Battleground Between Empires

⚔️ Selcuk Turks vs. Kingdom of Georgia (11th – 16th Century)

• For generations, the region changed hands between the Selcuk Turks and the Georgian Kingdom, each fighting to control this strategically valuable land.
• In 1502, the Safavids conquered Artvin, taking advantage of Mongol invasions that had weakened both the Selcuks and the Georgians.

🏰 Ottoman Rule & the Securing of Artvin (16th – 19th Century)

• Sultan Mehmet II brought Artvin under Ottoman control, but it was not fully secured until 1551, when a new castle was built to reinforce the region.
• The Ottoman rule lasted for nearly 250 years, providing relative stability.

🛡️ The Russo-Ottoman Wars (1828 – 1878)

• Throughout the 19th century, Artvin was at the center of fierce battles between the Ottomans and the Russian Empire.
• From 1828 to 1878, the region passed back and forth between Ottoman and Russian control, with short periods of peace.
• In 1878, after years of conflict, Artvin came under full Russian rule.

🇬🇧 British & Georgian Occupation After WWI (1918-1921)

• At the end of World War I, the Ottomans were on the losing side, leading to British troops occupying Artvin in 1918.
• Soon after, the Republic of Georgia moved into the region, further complicating its political future.
• In 1921, the Treaty of Kars officially transferred Artvin to Turkey, where it has remained ever since.

Why Visit Artvin?

🌲 A paradise for nature lovers, with stunning mountains, rivers, and the breathtaking Black Sea coastline nearby.
🏛️ A city rich in history, yet full of undiscovered archaeological mysteries waiting to be explored.
🏰 The historic Artvin Castle and other remnants of Ottoman, Russian, and Georgian influence make it a fascinating cultural crossroads.

🚀 Explore Artvin, where untouched nature meets a history of epic conquests!