Kars is Turkey's gateway to the Caucasus and has a rich and diverse demographic structure. The city has been an interaction point for many different cultures throughout history. This historical and geographical location is one of the most important factors shaping the demographic structure of Kars.
The population living in Kars includes a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The largest ethnic groups are Turks and Kurds. Azerbaijani Turks and a small number of Russians and Armenians also live in the city, mainly due to historical connections. Meskhetian Turks, who lived in the region during the Soviet Union, also form a small community in Kars. This ethnic diversity makes the cultural structure of the city very rich.
Most of the population lives in the center of Kars and the urbanization rate is high. However, due to Kars' geographical conditions and economic structure, there is also a significant population living in rural areas. This population is generally engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. Those living in rural areas generally maintain their traditional lifestyles and play an important role in the preservation of regional culture.
Kars has a dynamic structure, especially in terms of its young population. Although educational opportunities are limited, there is a growing awareness among the local population about access to higher education. This may encourage out-migration, especially among young people, which may affect the demographic structure of Kars.
Religiously, Kars is home to a predominantly Muslim population. There are Sunni and Alevi communities, as well as small Orthodox Christian communities. Religious diversity is reflected in the social and cultural dynamics of local communities and is recognized as an important part of tolerance and diversity in the overall structure of the city.
In general, Kars has one of the most diverse and rich cultural mosaics in Turkey in terms of its demographic structure. This diversity colors the social and cultural life of the city and distinguishes Kars from other Turkish cities. People living in Kars have the opportunity to live together and learn about each other's cultures within this diversity.