Political and social traces of the russian occupations in Artvin and its surroundings (1878-1917)

Artvin has hosted many civilizations throughout history. During the Ottoman period, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, through his campaigns in the Black Sea, reached the northern parts of the Artvin region. As a result of the campaigns conducted during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim, Ardanuç and some parts of Artvin came under the rule of the Ottoman state. During the reign of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, the whole of Artvin and its surroundings came under Ottoman domination. In the mid-16th century, Artvin and its surroundings became part of the Ottoman borders, but after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, the region fell under Russian administration until 1917, and later, between 1917 and 1921, it came under British and Georgian rule. During the 39 years of Russian occupation, significant changes took place in Artvin and its surroundings. With the policies implemented by the Russian administration, the demographic structure of the region changed. A large part of the Artvin population, unwilling to live under the rule of another nation, migrated to Ottoman lands. Following these migrations, Armenians, Georgians, and Russians were settled in the abandoned areas. Those who did not migrate and remained in the region had to struggle with the pressures imposed by the Russian administration and the hardships caused by Armenians. As part of its policies, Russia restricted mother-tongue education in the education system. During the Russian occupation, significant developments were achieved especially in the field of mining. In addition, public buildings and bridges were constructed, and improvements were made in agriculture and various branches of industry. In the face of the occupation, the people of Artvin organized under the leadership of military and local leaders, and fought for the defense of the region. After World War I, the city of Artvin was occupied by the British and later, in 1920, came under Georgian rule. As a result of the military operation launched by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to reclaim the Elviye-i Selâse and the successful diplomatic steps taken, Artvin and its surroundings were reunited with the motherland in 1921