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Uzungöl History

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History of Uzungöl

The known history of Uzungöl dates back to the 17th century. According to Ottoman Empire archives, tax receipts from the area known as “Şerah” in 1643 have been found. However, there were no permanent settlements in the region during that period. It is understood that the surroundings of Uzungöl were mainly used as highlands. Until 1948, Uzungöl was registered as a village under the Of district. Today, it is recorded as a town connected to the Çaykara district.

The establishment of a municipality in the village of Uzungöl, the center of the Şerah subdistrict of Çaykara, was approved on December 7, 1959, with the decision numbered 59/3038-342.

In 2012, with Law No. 6360, most of the town municipalities across Turkey were converted into neighborhoods. Within this scope, Uzungöl also lost its municipality status and became a neighborhood again.

DURING THE OTTOMAN PERIOD

By 1681, permanent settlements had started in Uzungöl, with a population of 12 households at the time. These households were distributed among villages like Köseli, Şerah, and Şekersu. In the population census of 1681, 2.5 Rub. Avarız Tax was collected from Şerah.

Population Growth and Settlement Development: From 1681 to 1876, there was significant population growth in Uzungöl, with the number of households increasing from 12 to 229 and the population from 60 to 710.

Separation of Villages: By 1876, the Köseli village, listed in 1681, was recorded as a separate settlement from Uzungöl.

19TH CENTURY: SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

In the 19th century, Uzungöl and its surroundings had an economy primarily based on agriculture and livestock. However, due to the dense forest areas, livestock farming was limited. According to records from 1879, livestock farming in Uzungöl was underdeveloped, with only 0.43% of the animals raised in the district being from the Uzungöl area.

REPUBLICAN ERA

During the Republican era, Uzungöl became one of the significant regions of Turkey and Trabzon tourism. With the establishment of modern tourism facilities, its popularity increased.

Uzungöl and its surroundings are protected as one of Turkey’s important natural areas. Therefore, Uzungöl has been declared a special environmental protection area. The region is home to various plant and animal species and is protected under national park status. This status introduces several regulations to preserve the area’s natural structure and biological diversity.

CULTURAL AND SOCIAL LIFE

Throughout history, Uzungöl has been a region where different cultures and ethnic groups lived together. Cultural traces of Laz, Turkish, Georgian, and Greek ethnic groups form the rich cultural heritage of the area. Traditional handicrafts, local cuisine, and folk dances are among the cultural riches of Uzungöl.

For example, Laz language, a South Caucasian language spoken by people in Northeast Turkey and Southwest Georgia, is widespread in Trabzon’s eastern districts, Rize, and Artvin provinces. Part of the Kartvelian language family, Laz is related to Mingrelian, Georgian, and Svan. Although it lacks a written tradition, this language has a rich oral culture, significant for Uzungöl’s history.
Uzungöl Mosque and Historic Bridge

The oldest mosque in Uzungöl is Filak Mahallesi Mosque (Hicri 1235-M-1819). The mosques in Uzungöl are among the significant structures reflecting the cultural and religious texture of the region. The most well-known is the Uzungöl Central Mosque, located right by the lake. Positioned against the lake view, this mosque impresses visitors with its architecture and surroundings. Other mosques in the area also feature simple and elegant architectural characteristics, harmonizing with Uzungöl’s serene atmosphere. These mosques provide spaces for worship and spiritual tranquility for locals and tourists.

UZUNGÖL AND NATURE CONSERVATION

Various environmental protection projects are being conducted to preserve the natural beauty of Uzungöl. Here are some details about the measures taken for environmental protection and historical structures:

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Plans are being made to manage tourism activities sustainably in the region. These plans aim to preserve the natural environment and minimize the adverse effects of tourism.

Controlling and guiding visitor numbers is crucial to prevent overuse of natural areas. Accordingly, visitor limits and guidance have been implemented in certain areas.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Waste management systems in the region have been improved. Regular waste collection and the promotion of recycling are essential for keeping the environment clean.

Environmentally friendly transportation options are encouraged for reaching Uzungöl. Additionally, parking areas and pedestrian paths have been arranged to reduce vehicle traffic in the area.

ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

Forested areas in the region are being preserved, and new afforestation projects are being carried out. These projects are vital for preventing erosion and enhancing biological diversity.

Measures are being taken to protect water resources in Uzungöl and its surroundings. Regular water analyses are conducted to prevent water pollution and improve water quality.

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