Hopa

Hopa is a town and district of Artvin Province in the northeastern Black Sea region of Turkey. It is situated on the coast near the border with Georgia and serves as a gateway for cross-border trade and transport between Turkey and the South Caucasus. The district center is the town of Hopa, with several rural villages in its boundaries.

Its geography combines a coastal plain along the Black Sea with inland hills and mountains. The climate is humid and temperate with substantial rainfall, typical of the eastern Black Sea region. The coastal location supports a port facility that handles regional maritime traffic and serves as an access point for goods moving toward Georgia.

Historically, the area lies within the ancient region of Colchis and has been ruled by various powers, including the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. In the 20th century it became part of the modern Turkish state following the formation of the Republic of Turkey. The town has developed as a border and port community, reflecting its strategic location.

Economy focuses on port-related activities, cross-border trade, and agriculture in the surrounding countryside. The Türkgözü border crossing near Hopa provides one of Turkey’s primary land links to Georgia. The port and road connections contribute to the local economy, with employment in shipping, logistics, and related services.

Demographically, the area hosts a mix of Turkish residents with minority communities that include Laz and Georgian-language heritage. Cultural life reflects this diversity, with influences from Turkish, Laz, and Georgian traditions.