What is Ardahan famous for? (75)
1. What should be known about Ardahan?
In 1992, a law was enacted that separated Ardahan from the Kars province. The name Ardahan is derived from the root "Arta" and Old Persian. It is inspired by the god Asa, known in the Zoroastrian religion.
Ardahan is a gateway to eastern Turkey, located in Eastern Anatolia. It borders the Autonomous Republic of Adjara to the north, Georgia and Armenia to the northeast. It also shares borders with Erzurum, Kars, and Artvin provinces.
The city is mostly characterized by mountains, plateaus, valleys, plains, and peaks that exceed 3000 meters in height, as well as lakes.
2. When should you visit Ardahan?
A continental climate generally prevails in Ardahan. Due to the influence of the Siberian high-pressure center and the high altitude, winter is long, rainy, and harsh. This situation continues from September to May. The best season to visit is summer, when you can also enjoy plateau tourism, local festivals, and events.
If you want to ride a horse-drawn sleigh on Lake Çıldır and enjoy the snow, you can also visit in winter.
3. How to get to Ardahan?
By Air: The nearest airport is Kars Harakani Airport. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to Ardahan.
By Road: You can reach Ardahan by bus from major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
By Rail: You can reach Kars by taking the Eastern Express from Ankara. From Kars, you can travel to Ardahan.
4. How is urban transportation in Ardahan?
Urban transportation in Ardahan is provided by buses and minibusses. Transportation from the city center to the districts is also carried out in this way.
5. What should you eat and drink in Ardahan?
Some of Ardahan's local delicacies include goose meat, "kesme aşı" (a type of soup), trout, "tandır kebap," "dolma kebap," "kaçguç," "etli hangel" (meat-filled dumplings), "kayıtma" (a type of bread), and "kete" (a pastry).
Where can you experience these flavors and more?
Bingöl Lokantası: Serves home-cooked meals and local flavors. The soups are particularly famous.
Address: Kaptanpaşa, İnönü Cad. No:35, 75000 Merkez/Ardahan
Özbingöl Lokantası: This restaurant has been serving for nearly 30 years and is known for its meat döner. Salad and lavash are served alongside the döner.
Address: Vali Hüsrev Caddesi, No:26, Merkez/Ardahan
Özge Mantı Evi: The "mantı" (Turkish dumplings) is delicious, just like a mother’s homemade version. Besides regular mantı, they also make goose meat and potato mantı. If you call 4 hours in advance, they will cook goose meat as well.
Address: Kaptanpaşa Mahallesi, Yangıncılar Sokak, 75000 Ardahan / Merkez
6. What are the must-visit places in Ardahan?
Lake Çıldır: Located 45 km east of the city center, Lake Çıldır is situated at an altitude of 1960 meters above sea level. It is rich in local and rare species, hosting 101 different plant species. The lake is also abundant in fish, with 19 different species found in its waters. Among these, the "Yellow Fish" (Sarı Balık) is a significant source of income for the local community.
Lake Çıldır
Devil's Castle: Believed to date back to the Urartian period, Devil's Castle is located 1 km east of the Çıldır district center. It is an important tourist attraction situated on a hilltop. Due to the surrounding cliffs, it can be accessed via a narrow path.
Devil's Castle
Ardahan Castle: Built by the Seljuks and also used during the Ottoman period, Ardahan Castle is considered one of the structures from the 16th century. As one of the city's significant landmarks, it has become a popular spot for both domestic and international tourists due to its architectural features.
Akçakale Island: With a history of 10,000 years, Akçakale Island is a protected site. There is a small path connecting the island to the city, allowing visitors to walk to the island via this route.
Atatürk Silhouette: Discovered by a village shepherd in Damal district in 1954, the Atatürk Silhouette is reflected on the slopes of Karadağ. It is visible annually between June 15 and July 15, during the times of 17:10 and 18:20.
7. What can you do in Ardahan?
Aşık Festival (February)
Balçeşme Plateau Kite Festival (June)
Atatürk's Permission Damal Festival (June-July)
Hoçvan Plateau Cultural Festival (July)
Göle Culture and Kashar Cheese Festival (July)
International Çıldır Lake Festival (July)
8. What should you buy from Ardahan?
Famous Kashar cheese and Caucasian honey.
Goose meat (Geese are slaughtered after the snow falls, so it is only available in winter.)
Handcrafted Damal dolls (Handmade with great care and attention.)
9. Where should you stay in Ardahan?
Ardahan has five districts. For accommodation, you can choose the central area or Posof district. These areas have 2 or 3-star hotels and guesthouses.
10. What should you be aware of while traveling in Ardahan?
If you are traveling to Ardahan, known as the city where even the sun feels cold, make sure to bring warm clothing.
For a more detailed exploration, download VanGo!
Ardahan Route: https://vango.page.link/thCq
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