| Bayburt
(77km from Gumushane), is situated on the banks of the Coruh River and
lies on what was once known as the Silk Road. Marco Polo and the inveterate
Turkish traveler Evliya Celebi both passed through this city. The remains
of a Byzantine castle, as well as major mosques. Turkish baths and fascinating
carved tombstones are among the significant sites. Two of the most important
monuments in Bayburt are Ulu Mosque (18th century) and the Clock Tower
in the city center which dates from the republican period. Also worth seeing
are the win mauseoleums of Sehit Osman and his sister which are situated
on the hillsides at the southern entrance to the city. Osman Park on the
Coruh River has wonderfull scenery and is a lovely place to relax.
Rize
(75 km. east of Trabzon) is built on a mountain slope covered with tea
bushes that look like puffy green pillows. Be sure to see this typical
Black Sea city's 16th century Islam Pasa Mosque and the remains of a Genoese
castle. From Ziraat Park tou can take in a splendid panorama of the whole
area. A lightweight summer cloth of good quality and printed with colorful
patterns comes from the Rize area. During teh Summer Tea Festival you can
purchase the best blend of Black Sea tea. Mehmet Mataraci Mansion is now
an Ataturk Museum that displays his personal belongings as well as ethnographical
artifacts from the region.
Rafting
on the Coruh River (Artvin)
|
Harvesting
tea plants (Rize)
|
Turning
inland after Ardesen off the road going east from Rize, you come
to the beautiful little town of Camlihemsin straddling a rushing
stream. Nearby is the Firtina Vadisi (Valley of Storms) ideal for
canoeing, and the beautiful Zir Castle and stone bridges from Byzantine
times. After walking around
Ayder's rolling meadows, you can relax
in one of the many hot springs. For those who like mountain climbing, this
is the best starting point for scalling the Jackar Mountains. This emerald
range is one of the best and the most challenging for climbers in Turkey.
The whole of the Kackar Range constitutes the beautiful Kackar Daglari
National Park. In the mountains south of Rize, Anzer village
offers the world-famous and nutritious Anzer honey and is a nice area for
hiking and for its botany. Ikizdere Canyon, between Anzer
and Ikizdere Plateaus, is a great spot for hang-gliding. At the
same time you get a bird-eye view of the area. |
