Akantaş Village: Village Bridge, Kokolet Valley, and Honey Tradition

For a stay in Akantaş Village, two themes can be distinguished: the village bridge over Kokolet Creek and Kokolet Valley, part of which lies in the area near Akantaş. At the bridge, the focus is on its stone construction and the connection between Akantaş and Korucular; in the valley, it is on plant diversity, honey production, and a tradition passed down through generations. This distinction helps you organize the place and its surroundings according to the themes that interest you on your trip.

The Akantaş Village Bridge

The Akantaş Village Bridge spans Kokolet Creek and connects Akantaş Village with Korucular Village. Its round-arched structure rests on two opposing abutments anchored in the creek bed at the banks. The arches are made of finely dressed ashlar; the abutments and other components are built of rubble stone. The structure can be understood in terms of its arch and supports, while the materials show how the individual parts were built differently. The bridge is approximately 7 meters long and around 170 centimeters wide. Its length is considerably greater than its width; this gives the structure a tangible sense of scale.

Honey Tradition and Plant Diversity in Kokolet Valley

A honey-production tradition has been passed down from generation to generation in Kokolet Valley for more than 60 years. Part of the valley lies in the area near Akantaş, where honey production and beekeeping are supported. Chestnut and flower honey are among the varieties produced in the valley. Kokolet Valley is home to more than 500 plant species and is one of 20 honey forests established by the Artvin Regional Forestry Directorate. The designation “honey forest” refers to this forestry initiative; the number of species describes a different aspect of the valley.

A decision provides for logging to be suspended in the area near Akantaş, where part of Kokolet Valley lies, for the years 2016 to 2036. This limited period should be distinguished from the honey-forest designation; they are different aspects of the landscape.

Putting the Streams and Landscape into Context

To understand the area, it helps to distinguish Kokolet Creek from Kokolet Valley. The creek flows between Akantaş and Korucular and joins Murgul Creek at Erenköy; its source is on the northern slope of Mount Golahora. Kokolet Valley is part of the Murgul Creek valley system, and Murgul Creek flows into the Çoruh from the left at Borçka. Thus, the creek describes a course between the villages, while the valley is part of a larger river system. Nearby is also Karagöl, near Damar at the foot of 2,600-meter-high Mount Tiryal.

Kokolet Valley on Artvin Route 3

GoTürkiye lists Kokolet Valley as a stop on Artvin Route 3. If you include the route in your plans, check its current course, as route itineraries may change.

Discover more destinations: Çimenli, Şavşat, Kemalpaşa, Artvin, Kireçlik Village, Arhavi, Yukarışahinler, Yusufeli

Go to the main travel overview: Artvin.