The historical and archaeological datas in the north towns of Erzurum(Tortum-Uzundere)

Erzurum, which is located in a significant junction in the entrance to Anatolia, has been a district for immigrants coming through Middle Asia, Asia Minor and Caucasians since ancient times. Especially voyages and migrations towards the West organised by various Turkish Tribes were centered on Anatolia. In this regard, our study field Tortum Stream (Tortum-Uzundere) basin is a transit point for many civilizations in prehistoric and historic ages. Ksenophon, an ancient age writer, indicates this area in the borders of Taokhlar country. As a result of surface researches it was found out that Tortum and Uzundere have had inhabitants since Chalcolithic Period and has been affected significantly by Karaz Culture. It was considered that some states such as Hayaşa Kingdom, Dayaeni/Diauehi and Urartu Kingdom dominated the region in ancient ages. However, it is possible to see early period Turkish traces in the searching district from cultural values identified in the region. In researches in the region 11 castles, 4 mounds, 1 housing, 4 watchtowers, 2 caves, 2 chapel and 18 cultural values were identified. It was understood that these indicated centers have first Bronze Age, Iron Age, middle Iron Age (Urartian) and middle age characteristics. Keywords: Tortum, Uzundere, Urartian, Diauehi, Karaz, Taokhlar