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Rize is on the north Side of the range of mountains that run along the
Black Sea coast. Overlooking the sea this is the wettest corner of
Turkey and Rize is the country's largest producer of tea.
The province is mainly rural and very attractive with its mountain valleys and elevated yaylas (meadows). The district of Çamlıhemşin in particular is one of Turkey's most popular venues for trekking holidays. Within remote areas, roads are scarce and electrically powered cable cars are used to transport people and supplies into the mountains. As well as tea, nowadays kiwi fruit are grown here too. Summers are cool (July average 22°C), winters are warm (January average 7°C) and it is wet all year round.
The province is home to a community of Laz people and Hamsheni Armenians.
The new Black Sea coast road is making Rize more accessible, while drawing criticism for its effect on the wildlife of the coast, and from the early 2000s, Rize has seen an increase in visitors from outside the province, particularly those seeking to escape into the countryside. This increased tourism has raised concerns among locals that the traditional way of life and the unblemished character of the natural surroundings is under threat. The provincial governor, Enver Salihoglu (as of 2005) has stated his opposition to the expansion of the road network and has advocated a commercial focus on beekeeping, trout farming, and the growing of organic teas [1].
Native plants include: the Cherry Laurel (Turkish taflan or karamyemiş), the fruit of which is an edible small dark plum which leaves a dark stain on the mouth and teeth; bilberry which are now being actively cultivated; and tea is not native of course but grows here very well and of the greatest pleasures in Rize is to enjoy a glass of the local brew made from mountain spring water.
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