During a press tour, representatives of Turkmen media visited the city of Rize, the administrative center of the eponymous province, situated just an hour's drive from Trabzon. This city is not only considered the wettest in Turkiye but also rightfully holds the title of the capital of Turkish tea.

Since the mid-20th century, the majority of tea produced in Turkey has been cultivated precisely in Rize. This region on the eastern Black Sea coast has lent its name to one of the most well-known varieties: "Rize tea". Today, over 80% of the local population is employed in the tea industry. Wherever one looks, endless tea plantations stretch across the steep, hilly slopes. The hand-picked tea is primarily delivered to the state-owned company Çaykur, which plays a crucial role in the local economy. Rize is literally imbued with a tea atmosphere; even the city's lampposts are designed in the shape of tea leaves. And in the very center lies one of the most unusual landmarks: an enormous traditional Turkish tea glass, an armudu. This is not merely an art object; inside it is installed an elevator that allows visitors to ascend to an observation deck and admire the breathtaking views of the city and the Black Sea. For true tea enthusiasts, Rize is a veritable paradise. In the area adjacent to the Armudu, numerous tea stalls and shops offer a wide variety of teas from local producers.

Journalists from Turkmenistan also visited actual tea plantations. For instance, in the village of Çeçeva, located in the Çayeli district, tourists can try their hand at tea harvesting. Special photo zones have been organized here, offering visitors the opportunity to don traditional harvesters' clothing and gain unforgettable impressions from participating in the manual tea-picking process.

It is interesting to note that the streets of the city center are paved with cobblestones, and the pedestrian crossings are designed as neat asphalt inlays. Due to the hilly terrain, almost all streets are inclined, and despite the city's size, vehicular traffic is quite heavy. Rize is a place where nature and tea culture create a unique ambiance. This green, fragrant city, saturated with rain, will forever remain in the memory of everyone who visits it.

Continued coverage of Rize's attractions will be featured in the next article

See also: Trabzon: A city guide through the eyes of Turkmen journalists