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!