--- title: Hanak (District) slug: hanak-district-89663 url: /detay/hanak-district-89663 type: article language: English entity: primary: Hanak (District) type: article disambiguation: Discover Hanak, Ardahan: History, nature & culture in Northeast Turkey. categories: - name: General Knowledge slug: genel-kultur url: /kategori/genel-kultur - name: Geography slug: cografya-2 url: /kategori/cografya-2 tags: - Hanak - Ardahan author: Kadir Maden created_at: 2025-05-29T11:41:14.180602+03:00 updated_at: 2025-06-12T09:59:45.480927+03:00 image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/29/4T4GIrqrTbCJgA81OXsOSdPytaf9njAK.png --- # Hanak (District) ## KURE Information Cards ### KURE Information Card: Hanak (District) ![h4.png](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/05/29/aaT8dpgmY6NF2gRsNXQxY649kUUwxg5o.png) | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | Mayor(s) | Erdal Kurukaya | | Area(s)(Text) | 547 km² | | Climate(s) | Continental climate | | Province(s) | Ardahan | | District Governor | Elif Meram | | Neighboring Districts | Posof,Şavşat,Çıldır,Damal,City Center | | Altitude | 1800 meters | | Population (2024) | 7.836 | ## Article Content Located in the northeast of Türkiye, [Hanak](/en/detay/hanak-ilce-c9a36/llms.txt) is a district of [Ardahan Province](/en/detay/ardahan-province-6bb56/llms.txt) that has hosted many civilizations throughout history; it is one of the settlements that draws attention with its geographical structure, historical background, and cultural heritage. In addition to its natural beauty, it also holds significance with its archaeological remains and strategic location. ### **History** Hanak, which was under the rule of the Urartian Kingdom until around 680 BC, has the oldest name recorded in written sources as “Tarju,” identified from the Urartian inscriptions found on rocks in the Kırmalar area. Having hosted many civilizations throughout history, Hanak began to be known by different names with the settlement of the Oghuz Turks in the region. Among these are variants such as “Kanak” and “Kanık.” These names are thought to be related to the dialect used by the Kipchaks, a branch of the Oghuz tribes, and connected to the name of a tribe called “Khanah.” Over time, through linguistic evolution, the initial “K” was dropped, and the final “H” transformed into a “K” to align with Turkish vowel harmony, resulting in the current name “Hanak.” Hanak was liberated from occupation by Turkish national forces on March 1, 1921; this was politically formalized with the [Treaty of Moscow](/en/detay/treaty-of-moscow-1921-49cac/llms.txt) on March 18, 1921. Initially a subdistrict (nahiye) affiliated with [Ardahan](/en/detay/ardahan-76784/llms.txt), Hanak gained district status in 1958 and was administratively connected to Kars. In 1992, when Ardahan became a province, it was incorporated into this province. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/29/dEscrBn0Aip3y7jVMM0SXsdErzyq6cm1.jpg) *Hanak (Ardahan Hanak District Directorate of National Education)* ### **Geography** Hanak is bordered by [Çıldır](/en/detay/cildir-district-241e0/llms.txt) to the east, the province of [Artvin](/en/detay/artvin-69f92/llms.txt) to the west, [Damal district](/en/detay/damal-district-b8630/llms.txt) to the north, and the province of Ardahan to the south. Mount Cin lies to the west, while Mount Yelatan and the Oghuz highlands lie to the east. The Hanak River flows through the district from end to end. Its elevation is approximately 1800 meters above sea level. In Hanak, which has a total land area of 451,867 decares, mountainous areas cover 7,200 decares, agricultural land (cultivated) covers 130,000 decares, pasture-highland-meadow lands cover 308,267 decares, and forested areas are around 6,400 decares. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/29/T1Kvgpo4fVCKxv0oFN0GPUrCZ2gHwmgt.png) *Geography of Hanak (Anadolu Agency)* ### **Climate** Hanak is located in a continental climate zone. Winters are very harsh and cold, while summers are mild and generally rainy. The lowest temperature is around -35 °C, and the highest temperature is around +25 °C. ### **Population** According to 2024 data, the total population of Hanak district in Ardahan Province is 7,836 people. Of this population, 2,789 live in the district center, and 5,047 live in towns and villages. The district's annual population growth rate is recorded as ‰ -24.8, indicating a decline in population. ### **Economic Structure** The economy of the district is largely based on agriculture and livestock. Especially cattle breeding is widespread. Due to high altitude and climate conditions, agricultural activities are limited. The main crops grown are barley, wheat, and potatoes. In addition, dairy production holds a significant place thanks to the extensive pastures. ### **Cultural and Historical Heritage** There are many structures and ruins in Hanak that hold historical and cultural value. Among the important structures are the church ruins in Selamverdi Neighborhood and Kırnav Castle, located about 5 km southwest of the city center. In addition, the caves carved into rocks in the Harosman area near Ortakent are of great archaeological and historical importance. ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/05/29/QF2FjMICdU29mbitqqNpGzJfgjb6hkb9.png) *Hanak Caves (Anadolu Agency)* ### **Cuisine** Hanak cuisine carries the basic features of Eastern Anatolian cuisine, and the lifestyle based on livestock has influenced its food culture. Meat dishes, dairy products, and pastries (especially homemade noodles and *kete*) hold an important place. [Hanak string cheese](/en/detay/hanak-tel-cheese-8c18e/llms.txt) is a registered product with a geographical indication from the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. ## Academic Sources and References 1. Esen, Sezgin. Flora of Ardahan Province, Posof, Damal, and Hanak Districts. Master's thesis, Artvin Çoruh University, 2010. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tezDetay.jsp?id=hcyQBNjmRxxbWCN99jJfHg&no=2Hddh3MzTjpNqOnzVw8tsgGevker, Şuayib. The Geography of Hanak District Center. Master's thesis, Atatürk University, 2018. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tezDetay.jsp?id=TOTGq1EzhDe8WLoq4Shbbg&no=hNoj0JTQKPhC41hYLRyKHwNuh, Günay. "Harosman Canyon, where historical caves are located in Ardahan, to be opened to tourism." Anadolu Agency. Accessed May 29, 2025. Accessed Address.Republic of Turkey Ardahan Governorship. "Hanak." Republic of Turkey Ardahan Governorship Website. Accessed May 29, 2025. http://www.ardahan.gov.tr/hanakRepublic of Turkey Ardahan Hanak District Directorate of National Education. "Our Hanak District." Republic of Turkey Ardahan Hanak District Directorate of National Education Website. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://hanak.meb.gov.tr/www/hanak-ilcemiz/icerik/96Republic of Turkey Ardahan Hanak District Directorate of National Education. "Our Hanak District." Republic of Turkey Ardahan Hanak District Directorate of National Education. Accessed May 29, 2025. Accessed Address.Turkey Development Foundation. "2024 Provincial and District-Based Population." Turkey Development Foundation Website. Accessed May 29, 2025. https://tkv-dft.org.tr/upload/2024%20Y%C4%B1l%C4%B1%20%C4%B0l%20ve%20%C4%B0l%C3%A7e%20Bazl%C4%B1%20N%C3%BCfus.pdf