--- title: Şavşat (District) slug: savsat-district-77d9f url: /detay/savsat-district-77d9f type: article language: English entity: primary: Şavşat (District) type: article disambiguation: Şavşat: Artvin'in tarihi sınır ilçesi. Dağlar, ormanlar ve Çoruh Vadisi'nin güzelliğiyle büyüleyici. categories: - name: Travel And Tourism slug: seyahat-ve-turizm url: /kategori/seyahat-ve-turizm tags: - Artvin - Şavşat author: Emre Zengin created_at: 2025-07-09T11:53:43.527822+03:00 updated_at: 2025-07-12T19:40:52.463290+03:00 image: https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/07/09/kFgMD5eDdXy1Q7jQFkadYUvPuuW3Geja.jpg --- # Şavşat (District) ## KURE Information Cards ### KURE Information Card: Şavşat (District) ![10.webp](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/07/09/oD7YO9VeDrWEEw4wjze7H79BdELipgds.webp) *Paintmaps* | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | Mayor(s) | Durmus Aydin | | Area(s)(Text) | Eastern Black Sea Region | | Province(s) | Artvin | | District Governor | Bayram Kose | | Altitude | 1100 meters | ## Article Content **Şavşat** is a border district of Artvin Province in northeastern Türkiye. The district center is located in the Çoruh Valley at an elevation of 1,100 meters. [Ardahan](/en/detay/ardahan-2/llms.txt) is to the east , Ardanuç to the south, Artvin [city center to the west, and the Republic of Georgia to the north. The district covers an area of ​​1,317 km², most of which is covered by forest. Şavşat is a ](/en/detay/merkez/llms.txt) stop on the Artvin-Ardahan highway . ![Image](https://cdn.kureansiklopedi.com/media/uploads/2025/07/09/nGdoLSrl4RrEAE4T6tN0QqzEGeTcIudf.jpg) [Şavşat (Anadolu Agency)](https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/sakin-sehir-savsat-sonbahar-renkleriyle-masal-diyari-gibi/2014904) ### **History** Şavşat's earliest known settlement dates back to the region's history, where it hosted diverse tribes throughout the ages thanks to the natural shelter afforded by its geographic structure [.](/en/detay/ev-2/llms.txt) Between 950 and 650 BC, Şavşat and its surroundings, incorporated into the Urartian Kingdom, were suitable for both defensive and agricultural activities with their high plateaus, dense forests, and streams. During this period, Cimmerian tribes, simultaneously with the Urartians, also settled in the region, sustaining their lives through cultural and economic interactions. The Saka Turks, who descended into the South [Caucasus](/en/detay/kafkasya-2/llms.txt) from the mid-1st millennium BC onward , gradually blended with the [local](/en/detay/yerli-2/llms.txt) populations, further enriching Şavşat's ethnic mosaic. Subsequently , [the region](/en/detay/bolge-2/llms.txt) became a strategic [point](/en/detay/nokta-31630/llms.txt) for the border defense of the Roman Empire's [eastern flank, and in the 3rd century AD, it formed the intersection of the inter-imperial rivalry with the Sassanids. As a result, it ](/en/detay/dogu-751789/llms.txt) cultural transitions between Christianity and Zoroastrianism . During the Ottoman period, Şavşat entered a new era with the conquest of Rize by Yavuz Sultan Selim (who served as the governor  as the governor of the province ) in the 16th century and its annexation by the Ottoman Empire. Artvin, Şavşat, and Ardanuç were incorporated into the administrative structure as adjacent sanjaks. This period is recorded as a [century](/en/detay/asir-5/llms.txt) of accelerated construction of [castles](/en/detay/kale-4/llms.txt) , [inns](/en/detay/han-2/llms.txt) , and mosques in the region, and of reorganization of security and [trade](/en/detay/ticaret-3/llms.txt) routes . [As a result of the uprisings and wartime](/en/detay/savas-3/llms.txt) treaties signed at the end of the 1877–1878 Russo-Turkish War, Artvin, Ardanuç, Borçka, and Şavşat came under Russian rule for [a short](/en/detay/kisa/llms.txt) time. This occupation, which lasted approximately 43 years, led to significant changes in the region's demographics through Russian administrative practices and [migration](/en/detay/yol-3/llms.txt) . [However](/en/detay/goc-2/llms.txt) , in 1921, [the Turkish](/en/detay/turk/llms.txt) Army crossed the Sahara Mountains and recaptured Şavşat, Ardanuç, and Artvin, thus rejoining the region within Turkish territory. Following the proclamation of the Republic, Şavşat remained within the borders of the Republic of Türkiye as a district of Artvin Province. ### **Geography and Climate** [Covering an area of ​​approximately 1,317 km², Şavşat has an extremely](/en/detay/derece-3/llms.txt) rugged and mountainous surface . Elevations reach up to 1,100 m in the town center, while plateaus and [mountain](/en/detay/dag-3/llms.txt) peaks reach 2,500–3,000 m. This geographic [complexity has transformed much of the land into a rich forest landscape. In ](/en/detay/karmasa-750757/llms.txt) to broadleaf (beech, hornbeam) and coniferous (spruce, Scots pine) forests, alpine meadow and [pasture](/en/detay/cayir/llms.txt) ecosystems are found in the high plateaus. Rivers and streams in the valleys of the foothills provide both drainage networks and irrigation facilities, paving the way for the development of agricultural activities in the region (especially [potatoes](/en/detay/patates-748590/llms.txt) and corn). In terms of climate, Şavşat is a transitional area: the humid, rainy character of the Black Sea climate and the stable temperature differences of the continental climate intertwine here. **Summers** : Warm and relatively cool. Average temperatures in [July](/en/detay/temmuz-748429/llms.txt) and [August](/en/detay/agustos-748432/llms.txt) are around 18–20 °C. Humid air masses frequently cause precipitation; brief but intense showers are common, especially in late summer. **Winters** : Harsh and [snowy](/en/detay/kar-5/llms.txt) . From [December](/en/detay/aralik-748440/llms.txt) to [February](/en/detay/subat-748380/llms.txt) , daytime temperatures generally drop below 0°C, and at night, temperatures can drop to −10°C. In mountainous areas, due to the humidity of the Black Sea, snow depths reach 1–2 meters. **Precipitation** : The annual total varies between 900 and 1,200 mm. The highest precipitation occurs [in autumn](/en/detay/sonbahar-4/llms.txt) and spring; in winter, due to the influence [of the sea](/en/detay/deniz-750021/llms.txt) , it falls as heavy snow. The district's high [altitude](/en/detay/rakim-750024/llms.txt) and dense [forest](/en/detay/orman-750517/llms.txt) cover create significant [daily](/en/detay/gun-4/llms.txt) temperature variations and microclimate diversity. South-facing slopes warm up relatively earlier, while north-facing valleys experience [extended ](/en/detay/uzun/llms.txt) influences both natural habitat and local settlement patterns. Şavşat's complex [geography](/en/detay/cografya-4/llms.txt) and climate enrich its [vegetation](/en/detay/bitki-2/llms.txt) and human activities, particularly transhumance, forestry, and tourism. ### **Population‑Demography** According to the 2023 Address Based [Population](/en/detay/nufus/llms.txt) Registration System data, the total population of Şavşat is 16,534. The district is administratively governed by two [municipalities : the "center" and the "town".](/en/detay/belediye-4/llms.txt) ### **Economy** Şavşat's economy has been shaped primarily by the constraints imposed by its natural conditions—its steep, mountainous [terrain and limited agricultural land. While there are no ](/en/detay/arazi-4/llms.txt) investments in the district, the people's primary source of income is livestock farming. **Animal Husbandry and Shepherding Traditions:** Small livestock (sheep and goat) farming has been the most [common](/en/detay/yaygin-748456/llms.txt) source of income in the district for many years; the practice of shepherding continues [today](/en/detay/bugun-2/llms.txt) as a profession passed down from generation to generation, based on a master-apprentice relationship . Young shepherds are apprenticed to their masters for a period of time, honing their skills, and then earn the title of "herdmaster" by managing their own flocks. Furthermore, cattle and poultry farming are becoming more widespread, adding diversity to the local economy. **Forestry and the wood-log trade:** The rich forest cover covering nearly 70% of Şavşat has made the wood and log trade an important economic [activity](/en/detay/faaliyet-abc4c/llms.txt) unique to the region . Raw materials obtained from the forests are used for domestic consumption and as a raw material source for [lumber](/en/detay/kereste/llms.txt) mills in Artvin and the surrounding area. **Beekeeping and by-products:** The highlands, where the Black Sea and continental climates meet, boast a rich flora and a diverse range [of flowers](/en/detay/cicek-3/llms.txt) suitable for beekeeping . Şavşat honey stands out in regional development thanks to colonies that feed on aromatic plant and flower pollen. **Nature and Plateau Tourism:** In recent years, the Şavşat district's plateaus, forest ponds, and hiking trails have begun to be utilized within the scope of ecotourism and [cultural](/en/detay/kultur-2/llms.txt) tourism. These developments have opened up new tourism opportunities for the district and contributed to the local economy. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the region through activities [such as](/en/detay/gibi-749510/llms.txt) staying in mountain houses, participating in traditional transhumance activities, and sampling local cuisine . [This](/en/detay/durum-5/llms.txt) encourages the development of rural accommodation facilities, [small-](/en/detay/kucuk-750344/llms.txt) scale businesses, and local [guide services.](/en/detay/rehberlik/llms.txt) ### **Tourist Locations and Products** - **Karagöl** : This 8-10 hectare glacial lake in the northeast of the district can be reached via a 30 km dirt road; there are recreational facilities and wildlife opportunities in the vicinity. - **Satlel Castle** : In the Söğütlü District, the ruins of the inner castle and city walls built by the Bagratid Kingdom in the 9th century can be seen. - **Meydancık Papart Valley** : It attracts attention with its wooden architecture and forests with the status of a first degree natural protected area. - **Tibeti Church** : The stone church of the Bagratid period, dated 899–914, in Cevizli Village stands out with its unique decorations. - **Meydancık Arch Bridge** : It is an example of the medieval single-span arch bridge group in the Taşköprü District. Traditional [theatre](/en/detay/tiyatro-2/llms.txt) , [folk dances](/en/detay/halk-oyunlari/llms.txt) , local music and instruments, handicrafts and [unique ](/en/detay/ozgun-750487/llms.txt) architecture are common in Şavşat. [The culinary](/en/detay/mutfak-2/llms.txt) tradition of Artvin continues in Şavşat. The main products include: - **Milk and dairy products** : Cheese pudding, clotted cream pudding - **Mountain herbs and vegetables** : Mountain beet, bird meal, gümü, vine leaves and cabbage rolls - **Pastries** : Laz pastry, katmer, noodles, hınkal - **Meat and grain dishes** : Winter roast, shish kebab, keşkek, herisa - **Desserts and soups** : Hasuta, honey lokum, pushuruk soup. Şavşat is one of Türkiye's highest districts, with land rising to 1,100 meters above sea level. Its [proximity](/en/detay/komsu-2/llms.txt) to the Georgian border offers a rich mix of forest and plateau ecosystems, as well as natural protected areas. ## Academic Sources and References 1. Anadolu Agency. "Slow City Şavşat is Like a Fairytale Land with Its Autumn Colors." October 13, 2020. Access Date April 19, 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/sakin-sehir-savsat-sonbahar-renkleriyle-masal-diyari-gibi/2014904Artvin Governorship, Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Livestock and Shepherding.” Access Date: 19 April 2025. https://artvin.ktb.gov.tr/TR-55847/hayvancilik-ve-cobanlik.htmlArtvin Governorship, Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Meydancık Kemer Bridge.” Access Date: 19 April 2025. https://artvin.ktb.gov.tr/TR-55888/meydancik-kemer-koprusu.htmlArtvin Governorship, Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Satlel Castle.” Access Date: 19 April 2025. https://artvin.ktb.gov.tr/TR-55865/savsat-satlel-kalesi.htmlArtvin Governorship, Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Şavşat.” Access Date: 19 April 2025. https://artvin.ktb.gov.tr/TR-55839/savsat.htmlArtvin Governorship, Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Meydancık Papart Valley Natural Protected Area.” Access Date: 19 April 2025. https://artvin.ktb.gov.tr/TR-55915/savsat-meydancik-papart-vadisi-dogal-sit-alani.htmlArtvin Governorship, Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Tibeti Church.” Access Date: 19 April 2025. https://artvin.ktb.gov.tr/TR-55881/tibeti-kilisesi.htmlArtvin Governorship, Directorate of Culture and Tourism. “Local Cuisine.” Access Date: 19 April 2025. https://artvin.ktb.gov.tr/TR-55844/yore-mutfagi.htmlTurkish Statistical Institute. “Address Based Population Registration System Results, 2023.” Access date April 19, 2025. https://data.tuik.gov.tr/Bulten/DownloadIstatistikselTablo?p=mrUHYGTWyI7m1gItx3gEMDRQQ0yKBoK%2FY4%2F7PGKKmePr6h55u6PVE825fke17fBi