Definition Karataş is a village located within the Pazaryolu district of Artvin Province in Turkey. It is one of the administrative settlements comprising the rural areas of the district.
Overview As a rural settlement in Turkey, Karataş functions as a local community under the administrative jurisdiction of the Pazaryolu district governorship (Kaymakamlık) and the Artvin provincial governorship (Valilik). Its characteristics are typical of many small villages in the Black Sea Region, often influenced by local geography, demographics, and agricultural practices.
Etymology/Origin The name "Karataş" is Turkish, meaning "black stone." This is a very common toponym across Turkey, often given to places due to the presence of dark-colored rocks, specific geological formations, or historical markers made of such material in the vicinity. "Pazaryolu" also has Turkish roots, translating to "market road," which may indicate a historical function of the district as a trade route or market access point.
Characteristics
- Location: Karataş is situated in the mountainous and forested terrain characteristic of Artvin Province, which is part of Turkey's Eastern Black Sea Region. The district of Pazaryolu itself is inland from the immediate Black Sea coast.
- Demographics: Like many rural villages in Turkey, Karataş typically has a small population. According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), its population was 25 in 2022. The demographic profile is generally rural, with a tendency for younger populations to migrate to larger urban centers for employment and education.
- Economy: The local economy is primarily based on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and forestry, common activities in the mountainous and rural parts of Artvin.
- Administration: The village is governed by a muhtar (village headman) and a village council, who are elected by the residents to manage local affairs.
Related Topics
- Pazaryolu District
- Artvin Province
- Black Sea Region of Turkey
- Rural Settlements in Turkey
- Turkish Local Government