Akyaka

Akyaka

Akyaka joined the Ottoman Empire in 1534. After the war between the Ottoman Empire and Tsarist Russia between 1877 and 1878, known as the War of '93, Akyaka remained under Russian control for about forty years. It was left to the Ottomans with the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk made after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1918. After a short time, the region first came under Armenian rule, and then was taken over by the British. The British, who later left the region to the Armenians and Georgians, withdrew from here. On April 25, 1918, Akyaka was included in the Ottoman territory again after forty years. In April-May 1918, Armenians entered the city again and the Ottoman army was forced to withdraw from here. Wanting to prevent this, the people of the region, within their means, established a democratic local government called the National Islamic Council on November 5, 1918. This government, including Akyaka, was named the Southwestern Caucasus Republic on January 18, 1919. Akyaka was captured by Turkish forces on 30 October 1920 during the Turkish War of Independence. Akyaka has Armenia in the east, Kars city center in the west and south, and Arpaçay in the north. It has a border of 52 kilometers with Armenia. Akyaka Border Gate, which is located between Turkey and Armenia and was closed in 1993, is located in this district. The railway passing through Akyaka to Armenia was used until the border gate was closed, transporting passengers and freight between the two countries. Although the altitude of the district is 1477 meters, it has wide plains and gray countryside. However, due to the very harsh climate, productivity cannot be obtained from the land. Kars Stream, which takes its source from Sarıkamış district, and Karahan Stream, which takes its source from Terelik locality within the district borders, pass through the district and flow into the Arpaçay Dam located in the east of Akyaka. In addition, the Kars Stream determines Turkey's border with Armenia.