Çayeli (District)

Çayeli is a district in Black Sea Region Türkiye, subordinate to the province of Rize. It is located on the Black Sea coast, 18 km east of the provincial center of Rize, at place. Known for its natural beauty and cultural richness, the district is particularly significant as a center for tea cultivation and highland tourism, with important.

^{Çayeli (}Rize Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism⁾

The history of Çayeli extends back to the 7th century BCE. It is known that the region was successively under the rule of the Roman, Byzantine and Trabzon Empires. The district’s former name was Mapavri; it became a district in 1944 under the name “Çaybaşı” and was later renamed “Çayeli”.

Çayeli features a narrow coastal strip with mountain ranges rising immediately behind it, running parallel to the sea. The district covers an area of 473 km². Region has a typical Black Sea climate, receiving abundant rainfall throughout the year and maintaining a high humidity rate. This climate provides favorable conditions for tea cultivation and forest production.

According to 2024 data, the population of Çayeli is 42,208. The district includes two towns, 53 village and 33 neighborhood. Population resides both in rural areas and in the district center, and the traditional way of life continues to exert influence.

The economy of Çayeli is primarily based on agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing. Tea cultivation is the most important economic activity in the district and supports other local sectors. Additionally, beekeeping and forest product-based industry industries hold significant importance in the district.

Çayeli is important for tourism due to its natural beauty and cultural richness. The Senoz Valley, Ağaran Waterfall and its highlands attract attention with their historical structures. The district offers favorable conditions for nature hiking, camping and mountaineering, as well as many alternative tourism activities, such as.

The cuisine of Çayeli reflects the typical flavors of the Black Sea region; local dishes such as Çayeli dried beans, hamsili pilaf and karalahana sarma are particularly notable.