Rize

From Turkey Travel Guide

Rize

Cayeli by Rize Governor's Website

Coordinates 41°01′N 40°31′E

area

3920 km² (1,514/sq mi.)

elevation

6 m. (20 ft.)

population

361353

calling code

(+90) 464

website

http://www.rize.gov.tr/

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Rize.jpg Cayeli http://www.rize.gov.tr Rize Governor's Website

Location of Rize within Turkey.

Rize is a city in the Black Sea Region of Turkey.

[edit] History

Rize has been described by ancient historians as early as the second century BC. In comes into closer focus under Roman rule as part of the Province of Cappadocia. St. Orientos was martyred there in the early days of Christianity, and became the patron saint of the region. A chapel in the citadel is named for him. The area was a center of unrest and revolt during Justinian's war with the Persians, making it the center of the conflict. In the early 1000s, the region was affected by Turkic raids, and Mehmet II brought Rize under Ottoman control 1461, in response to the threats of Crusader invasions. Christians were deported to Istanbul and Romania, and others were relocated to Rize.

Also, Rize is the traditional home of the Laz people, the Turkish humor equivalent of dumb blonds. In actuality, the Laz are a largely agricultural people -previously growing hazelnuts, and now largely tea- with rich folklore, music, and traditional dance.

Today, Rize is a small provincial town famous for its tea production.

[edit] Navigation

Along the seaside runs the Karadeniz Sahil Yolu, with Menderes Boulevard running parallel as a frontage road. About three blocks south is the town center, Rize Meydani, Rize Square. The bus station is a kilometer northwest of the square near the seaside on Cumhurriyet Caddesi.

[edit] Getting there

[edit] By plane

The nearest airport is in Trabzon with daily flights from domestic airports.

[edit] By train

The nearest train stations are in Erzurum and Samsun.

[edit] By car

Rize is well connected on the Karadeniz Sahil Yol, Black Sea Coast Road or D010, to the east and west, and is near the 53-25 and 53-01 going south.

[edit] By bus

There are occasional buses from all major cities, but be sure to check the schedule, especially from smaller cities. To/From Istanbul takes about 20 hours, and costs about 50-60 lira To/From Ankara takes about 15 hours, and costs around 50 lira To/From Trabzon the trip is under 2 hours, and the ticket is 10-20 lira To/From Samsun takes about 8 hours and costs about 30 lira Major bus companies run lines here, but the local company is Rizeliler Turizm

[edit] By boat

There was previously a Turkish Maritime Lines ferry, but that has recently gone out of business.

[edit] Getting around

[edit] By car

Visiting sites in the wider area would be easiest by car.

[edit] By public transport

[edit] By foot

Most of the city's sites are easily reached on foot.

[edit] By bike

[edit] Weather

[edit] See

Tepebasi a nearby hill, offers panoramic vistas of the city and sea. It can be reached by dolmus from the main square.

The city museum, behind the tourist office in the main square, is an Ottoman house with restored interior and a granary. Inside there are ethnic costumes on display, including Laz and Hemsin ones.

Seyh Cami just off the town square was built in 1957, but is still worth taking a look at. it is Rize's biggest mosque.

Rize is frequently visited for its wilderness, forests, mountains, and rivers.

[edit] Do

Visit the Tea Research Institute and stroll through the tea garden while enjoying a free glass of tea

Hike up to the remains of the ancient citadel, Rize Kale

Take a day trip to see Sumela Monastery

[edit] Eat

The Black Sea region has a number of specialties worth trying; Muhlama, a melted cheese and bread crumb dish, Sarma, stuffed cabbage rolls, and Laz Borek, a savory custard pastry.

These are available at the Müze Kafeterya located on a hill south of the main square.

There are many Turkish fast food places serving pides and kebaps along Cumhuriyet Caddesi, northwest of Rize Meydani.

[edit] Drink

Visit the Tea Research Institute for a free cup of tea.

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Budget

The cheapest hotels are on Cumhuriyet Caddesi. One basic option is Otel Akarsu near the main square, with rooms for 15-20 lira for 1-2 people.

[edit] Mid-Range

Hotel Asnut, on Cumhuriyet Caddesi has clean rooms for around 80-120 lira for 1-2 people

[edit] Upscale

Outside the city is the one upscale option, Hotel Dedeman Rize with sea facing rooms for 220-280 lira for 1-2 people

[edit] Work

This city's economy centers on agriculture, largely tea, and shipping.

[edit] Learn

Rize's university was established in 2006 and has faculties in teaching, theology, and vocational schools.

http://www.rize.edu.tr/

[edit] Keep connected

[edit] Internet

Some hotels offer wireless internet, otherwise there are a few decent internet cafes in the town center.

[edit] Phone

Cell phone shops are readily available in the city center.

[edit] Post

The main post office is on Rize Square, and there are a few others around the city.

[edit] Safety

While women alone will attract notice, common sense generally suffices in this small town.

[edit] Stay Healthy

The state hospital, Rize Devlet Hastanesi, is on the eastern end of Menderes Boulevard, but visitors will prefer the private Özel Sar Hastanesi on the western end. It is more expensive, but still cheap by western standards, with better service than the state hospital.

[edit] External links