Kalkandere (District)

Kalkandere is a district in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye, subordinate to the province of Rize and located approximately 25 kilometers from the provincial center of Rize. The district covers an area of 166 km² and has an average elevation of about 300 meters above sea level. It is bordered by the Rize Merkez district to the east, the Of district of Trabzon to the west, and the İkizdere district to the south.

Kalkandere receives abundant rainfall throughout the year due to the influence of the Black Sea climate, a condition that enriches and diversifies the district’s vegetation. Tea cultivation is the primary agricultural activity, followed by the production of kiwi, maize, and hazelnuts. Agriculture and small-scale livestock farming form the backbone of the local economy. The natural landscape features various stream beds, highland pastures, and forested areas; natural attractions such as Andon İçmeleri are particularly notable. Access is provided by road, with the district connected to the Rize-Trabzon highway via internal road networks. Kalkandere is a typical Eastern Black Sea settlement in terms of its regional geographical and climatic characteristics.

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

The earliest known name of Kalkandere is “Kadere”, believed to derive from the dark stones in the bed of the river flowing through the district, which give the water a dark appearance. Historically, the area was under the rule of the Cimmerians, Persians, Seljuks, and the Empire of Trebizond. It was incorporated into the territories of the Ottoman Empire in 1461. During the Republican period, it attained district status in 1957.

Kalkandere covers an area of 95 km² and has a rugged terrain. The district’s elevation is approximately 200 meters, surrounded by hills. The region has a typical Black Sea climate, characterized by high rainfall throughout the year and elevated humidity levels, creating favorable conditions for tea cultivation.

The land is hilly and covered with broadleaf tree species including hornbeam, beech, chestnut, linden, alder, oak, and laurel. The forest understory is also rich in vegetation, encompassing various herbaceous and woody plant species such as the rhododendron (Rhododendron).

According to TÜİK 2021 data, the population of Kalkandere is 6,871. The district includes one municipality and a total of 22 villages, with a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas. This pattern has enabled the preservation of traditional ways of life in the region.

The economy of Kalkandere is largely based on tea cultivation and the tea processing industry. The district hosts tea processing factories, and in addition, small-scale farming, beekeeping, and livestock breeding contribute to the local economy.

With its natural beauty, lush greenery, and traditional architecture, Kalkandere holds potential for alternative tourism. The district’s unique Black Sea cuisine, particularly its tea, maize bread, and kale dishes, constitutes an important part of its cultural heritage.