Serhad-ı Serbest

  

Serhad-ı Serbest (Turkish:سرحد سربست, latn. Serhad-ı Serbest; Turkish for 'The Free Frontier or Open Border') refers to the Anatolian–Georgian border, which is unusually not guarded and is an open border, which is usually commutable by Anatolians and Georgians.

In 1936, President Eyyübzade decided to establish ties with Caucasian countries. Since Ardahan (now, Tao-Artaani) and Artvin (now, Klarjeti) were ceded to Russian Empire earlier, ties to the new Republic of Georgia began resentfully. However, making note of the large Laz population in Western Lazistan (called Western Lazona by the Georgians), Eyyübzade decided to initiate an all-out alliance with Georgia, as it would aid the Black Sea trade network of the Anatolians.

As Azerbaijan had already showed its disrevalence for any mutual alliance, Anatolia sought alliance with Georgia and Armenia. The former president Süleyman Shefik Erzurumlu had already initiated the process of alliance with Armenians.

The city of Arkabi in Klarjeti province (Turkish: Arhavi, Artvin) in Georgia is linked with the new city of Şefikiye (formerly, Fındıklı; Georgian: ვიწე Vits'e) in Anatolia.

The mutual border hosts a resthouse, displaying artifacts of cultural and heritage value, including Eyyübzade's coat and original copy of President Khimshiashvilli's autobiography; and a school for young children and offers both Turkish and Georgian curiculum.

Every year on the respective national days, marches followed by grand salute is presented by both sides. Usually, Georgian side present themselves in Chokha, while the Anatolian side spot fezzes, along with traditional clothes.