The Machakhelistsqali River

The Machakhelistsqali River: A Transboundary Gorge of Gunsmiths

The Machakhelistsqali River (მდინარე მაჭახელისწყალი) is a transboundary river that flows through northeastern Turkey and the Adjara region of Georgia. It is a right tributary of the Chorokhi River. The river is most famous for its stunningly beautiful and historically significant valley, the Machakhela Gorge. This gorge, divided by the Georgia-Turkey border, is a region of exceptional natural beauty, with lush Colchic forests, dramatic cliffs, and a unique cultural heritage. In Georgia, the valley is protected as part of the Machakhela National Park.

The Machakhela Gorge is renowned for its historical tradition of gunsmithing. From the 18th to the 19th centuries, it was a major center for the production of high-quality flintlock rifles, known as the “Machakhela gun,” which were famous throughout the Caucasus. Today, the valley is a growing destination for eco-tourism and cultural tourism. Visitors are drawn to its pristine nature, picturesque villages with traditional wooden houses, beautiful medieval stone arch bridges, and the enduring legacy of its master craftsmen.

ℹ️ General Information

• Name of River: Machakhelistsqali River (მდინარე მაჭახელისწყალი)
• Location: Khelvachauri Municipality, Adjara, Georgia; Artvin Province, Turkey.
• Length: 37 km (23 miles)
• Basin Size: 369 km² (143 sq mi)
• Source (Origin): Shavsheti Range, on the Turkish side of the border.
• Mouth (Where it flows): Right tributary of the Chorokhi River.
• Main Tributaries: Makhosწყali.

📍 Geography & Course

The river originates in Turkey and flows north, crossing the border into Georgia. In Georgia, it carves the deep and scenic Machakhela Gorge before joining the Chorokhi River just before it flows into the Black Sea near Batumi. The river is powerful and fast-flowing, fed by the heavy rainfall of the region.

🌿 Nature & Ecology

The Machakhela Gorge is part of the Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ecosystem is incredibly rich in biodiversity, with dense, ancient forests of chestnut, beech, and alder. The pristine environment is a habitat for brown bears, roe deer, and a vast array of birdlife. The Machakhela National Park was established to protect this unique natural heritage.

🏛️ History & Culture

The valley’s cultural heritage is unique.

• Gunsmithing Tradition: The craft of making the Machakhela gun is a key part of the region’s identity. A monument to the rifle stands in the gorge, and local museums preserve this history.
• Medieval Arch Bridges: The valley contains several beautiful examples of medieval stone arch bridges, such as the Tskhemlara and Mirveti bridges.
• Transboundary Culture: The gorge’s division by the border has created a unique cultural situation, with communities on both sides sharing a common heritage.

🚣 Activities & Tourism

• Exploring Machakhela National Park: The park’s visitor center provides information on hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, bridges, and historic villages.
• Cultural Tourism: Learning about the gunsmithing history at local museums and visiting the ethnographic displays.
• Archery and Ziplining: Some tourist facilities in the gorge offer recreational activities.

🛤️ Accessibility

The Machakhela Gorge is easily accessible from Batumi. A well-maintained paved road runs deep into the Georgian side of the gorge, making it a popular and rewarding day trip. The visitor center is located in the village of Acharisagmarti.