Tortum

Tortum is a town and district of Erzurum Province in eastern Turkey. Located in the eastern Anatolia region, the district sits in a mountainous area with the town of Tortum serving as its administrative center. The landscape is characteristic of high-altitude eastern Anatolia, with a continental climate and a mix of rural settlements.

The district is known for several natural and man-made features. The Tortum River runs through the area, and the site hosts a well-known waterfall that has become a local landmark. Nearby Tortum Lake is a reservoir formed by a dam on the Tortum River, and the dam supports hydroelectric generation and regional water management. The combination of the river, waterfall, and lake makes the district a destination for ecotourism and nature observation.

Historically, the Tortum area has been inhabited since ancient times, with influences from Urartu and later periods of Turkish and Ottoman settlement. The district contains historical sites and rural villages that reflect traditional architectural and cultural practices of eastern Anatolia. In addition to agricultural activities, the economy includes livestock farming and forestry, with tourism tied to the natural scenery and regional heritage.

Tortum is connected by road to surrounding districts and to Erzurum, the provincial capital. The local culture is characteristic of rural eastern Anatolia, with community life revolving around villages, mosques, and seasonal agricultural work.