Rize is located in the Black Sea Region of Turkey and is known for its unique natural beauty, rich culture and traditional way of life. The city and its surroundings are surrounded by high mountains and deep valleys, and this geography has greatly influenced the way of life and traditions of the people.
Life in Rize continues in a rhythm intertwined with nature. Agriculture, especially tea farming, is an integral part of the city's economy and culture. The spring and summer months, the period of tea harvesting, are the busiest times of work in the region and are when communities come together and work in solidarity. Tea picking usually starts early in the morning and communities help each other in this process. During this period, tea gardens become the center of social interactions, often led by women.
Traditional Rize houses were generally built using wood and stone materials to adapt to the rugged terrain. These houses are usually two-storeyed, with the lower floor used as animal shelter or storage, while the upper floor is organized as living space. The roofs of the houses are steep and usually covered with tiles to withstand the heavy rainfall in the region.
Traditional food culture in Rize draws on the region's rich natural resources. Corn, anchovies and tea are the main ingredients commonly used in local cuisine. Dishes such as pilaf with anchovies, cornbread and muhlama (kuymak), which are unique to the Black Sea, are prominent in regional cuisine. Meals are often prepared and shared collectively, reflecting the communal nature of social life in Rize.
Traditional dress has changed over time, but colorful, embroidered dresses, especially worn by women on special occasions and festivals, and headdresses such as fezes for men are still popular. In addition, Rize's festivals, folkloric dances and music play an important role in preserving the cultural identity of the region. For example, the annual tea, horon and pehlivan wrestling festivals attract both locals and tourists.
As a result, life in Rize is shaped by a rich cultural heritage, traditional lifestyles and social solidarity. These characteristics make Rize not only a place to live, but also a region that offers a unique experience to its visitors and residents. This city, where life is intertwined with nature, continues to blend its traditions with modern life and pass them on to future generations.