Where are the BEST Historical Mosques and Spiritual Places in Artvin Şavşat? (2026)

History & True Legends / Legends

Located in the heart of Şavşat, Veliköy (historically known as Veli) is one of the most unique cultural and sports villages of Artvin with its Historical Wooden Mosque built with the nailless chandelier technique of the 19th century Ottoman period and the Turkey-wide famous 'Traditional Veliköy Karakucak Wrestling Festival on Snow'. The mosque was built by interlocking centuries-old chestnut tree logs; It is an eye-catching work of art with its painted geometric ceiling core, carved wooden pulpit and women's gallery with wooden railings. The village square, where wrestlers wearing kispets wrestle on meters of snow during the winter months, is a centuries-old winter tradition of bravery.

Geographical Structure & Altitude & Nature

It is located on a wide valley slope surrounded by forests, at an altitude of approximately 1,450 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by Scots pines, spruces, apple orchards and wooden Şavşat architecture houses.

Visiting Hours & Days & Entrance Fee

• Entrance Fee: Visiting the historical mosque and visiting the festival area is completely free.
• Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): Open for worship and visits 7 days a week, from morning adhan to night prayer.
• Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: You can enter the mosque without shoes; The historical wooden texture must be respected. The mosque courtyard is flat and can be accessed by baby strollers and wheelchairs.
• Facilities and Facilities: There is a fountain, ablution room, WC, festival square and village guest house.

Real Transportation & Public Transport Lines & Open Location

• Address / Open Location: Veliköy Village Mosque Square, 08700 Şavşat / Artvin.
• Road Conditions and Vehicle Availability: Take the Veliköy turnoff via the asphalt road from Şavşat center towards Karagöl; It can be reached in 12 minutes by a completely asphalt road.
• Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Veliköy minibuses departing from Şavşat district bus station and stop directly in front of the mosque.
• Parking Availability: There is a large and free car parking area in the mosque and village square.

Contextual Experience Tips (A - Spirituality & Etiquette)

• Spiritual Visit and Prayer Etiquette: Worship should be done in silence, the two-rakat tahiyyatu'l-masjid prayer should be performed and prayers should be made in the spiritual tranquility of the village.
• Documentary & Respectful Shooting: The painted motifs on the wooden ceiling and the snowy valley view seen from the mosque windows can be photographed in silent mode.
• Important Commemoration Days: Friday prayers, religious holidays and the traditional Snow Wrestling Festival period held every year in February.
• Local Spiritual Tradition: After the prayer, hot rice with meat, kete and buttermilk are served to the congregation and guests in the mosque courtyard.