Borçka and Camili 2026: Karagöl, Forests and Maçahel Villages

عاشق الأناضول · Oct 4, 2026

Karagöl lake in Borçka.

Borçka is a district of Artvin rich in forests and water, best known for Karagöl lake. In the Camili area, also called Macahel, villages lie among forests and slopes near the border, forming a rural landscape distinct from both Borçka town and the lake.

Borçka Karagöl

Woodland surrounds the lake, its trees reflected in the water and outlining the natural basin. Formed when a landslide blocked a watercourse, Karagöl reveals the relationship between flowing water and the movement of slopes. The scene changes from lush greenery to autumn foliage, with the forest remaining central to its character throughout the seasons.

Camili and Biodiversity

Camili is a biosphere reserve within UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. This designation recognises biodiversity and the relationship between local communities and their environment; it does not designate the area a World Heritage Site. Forests, streams, meadows and villages sit alongside one another, revealing a natural diversity extending far beyond a single lake view.

Forested scenery in the Camili Biosphere Reserve.

Macahel’s Villages and Architecture

Villages spread across slopes and valleys, their rural houses using timber and stone according to location and function. The settlement pattern connects fields, grazing land and forest, while beekeeping is one of the area’s recognised activities. Homes, gardens and village roads form a living landscape shaped by local work and continued occupation.

Forests, Water and Neighbouring Areas

Streams and waterfalls are part of the wet environment around Borçka and Camili, giving their valleys a character distinct from the coast. Borçka Karagöl is separate from Şavşat Karagöl: sharing a name does not mean sharing a location or setting. This distinction helps explain Artvin’s geography and the variety of its districts.

Practical Notes

Check the condition of sites and routes before visiting, particularly in rain, fog or upland areas. Access to some buildings and facilities varies with the season and maintenance work. Respect the privacy of homes and villages, follow available paths, and help protect historic sites and the surrounding environment.

Related topics

Borçka and Camili 2026: Karagöl, Forests and Maçahel Villages

عاشق الأناضول

Active member