Çaykara (District)

Çaykara is a district of Eastern Black Sea Region in Trabzon, Türkiye. Its association with Uzungöl has made Çaykara a well-known tourist destination. The district exhibits the typical natural features of the Black Sea region, including its forests, mountains and highland pastures.

The history of Çaykara generally parallels that of Trabzon. The earliest inhabitants of the region were the Colchians, ancestors of the Laz people. Later, the area came under the rule of the Kingdom of Pontus, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Empire of Trebizond. In 1461, it became part of the Ottoman Empire following the conquest of Trabzon by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. According to Ottoman records from 1486, approximately 1,277 people lived in the villages of Çaykara. By 1681, the villages had fully converted to Islam. During World War I in 1915, it was occupied by the Russian army. Çaykara remained a village under the jurisdiction of the Of district until 1 June 1947, when it was granted district status. 27 February is celebrated as its "Liberation Day".

Çaykara is located in the southeast of Trabzon. It has a mountainous terrain. The Soğanlı Mountains and Haldizen Mountains lie within the district boundaries. The most famous natural area in the district is Uzungöl. Uzungöl is a landslide-dammed lake formed when rocks falling from the slopes blocked the course of the Haldizen Stream. The area surrounding the lake supports diverse vegetation and wildlife.

^{Çaykara, Villages (Source:} Pexels⁾

Çaykara’s economy is based on agriculture and tourism. Agriculture focuses particularly on hazelnuts, tea and maize. In recent years, tourism activities have increased significantly. Uzungöl, in particular, welcomes many domestic and international tourists each year.

Uzungöl is a landslide-dammed lake formed when rocks from the slopes blocked the Haldizen Stream. The lake is approximately 1,000 metres long, 500 metres wide and about 15 metres deep. The village of Şerah, located near the lake, is closely integrated with its surroundings. The lake and its environs have been designated as a "Special Environmental Protection Area" by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization.

Çaykara hosts tourism activities, particularly around Uzungöl, with hiking trails, accommodation facilities and restaurants. Activities such as paragliding, mountaineering and fishing can be organized around the lake. Additionally, Sultan Murat Highland within the district boundaries is also used for tourism.

Educational services in Çaykara are managed by the Çaykara District National Education Directorate. The district has various schools: 16 schools, 112 classrooms, 197 teachers and 1,714 students.

Çaykara exhibits cultural characteristics unique to the Black Sea region. Local cuisine, folk dances and handicrafts form part of the regional culture.

^{Çaykara, Uzungöl (Source:} Pexels⁾

• In recent years, Çaykara has become an important centre for nature sports and adventure tourism.
• The district has restaurants where visitors can taste some of the most delicious examples of Black Sea regional cuisine.
• Çaykara is an important district that preserves Black Sea culture through its traditional highland culture and festivals.