Nestled along a riverbank between the rugged Pontic Mountains, İkizdere Valley lies within the Rize and Erzurum Provinces of Türkiye. The town derives its name, "İkizdere"—meaning "twin rivers" in English—from the river that courses through it. Two streams, originating from a distant chain of towering mountains, wind their way through the landscape and converge just south of the town’s entrance. From there, the unified river flows onward, carving its path through the valley until it reaches the Black Sea. Throughout history, rivers have been vital to humanity. In prehistoric times, people established settlements along their banks, relying on them for fish to eat and water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
"A river seems a magic thing. A magic, moving, living part of the very earth itself."
— Laura Gilpin
The Çağırankaya Plateau, located 25 kilometers east of the town of İkizdere in Rize Province, is accessible via a dirt road. Public transportation is available throughout the summer, making it easier to reach this scenic destination. Perched at an elevation of approximately 3,000 meters above sea level, the Çağırankaya neighborhood is encircled by steep, dramatic cliffs. Each year, the Çağırankaya Plateau Festival, organized by İkizdere City Hall, takes place during the second week of August, drawing visitors to this high-altitude retreat.
The plateau boasts basic infrastructure, including electricity and telephone services, and is home to a small community where a grocer, a butcher, and a coffee shop operate. Visitors planning to camp should come prepared with their own equipment, as the rugged setting requires self-sufficiency.
Ahmet Gökhan Kara For 25 Years I lived in one of the best city in the world, Burlington, On. Canada and I wouldn't live anywhere else except for my hometown İkizdere. While I lived in Canada I was always homesick Now I'm back at my mountains for the most of summers. I noticed amount of tourists visiting our small town increased significantly and language barrier became a major issue, therefore I decide to make this page to help promote the town and people who are visiting. If you need help while you are in İkizdere or thinking of visiting You can message me, no matter where I'm I will do my best to help.
The Heptakometes, ancient forebears of today’s İkizderelians, were a fierce tribe rooted in the rugged terrain of what is now İkizdere, Rize Province, Türkiye. In 67 BCE, during the Third Mithridatic War, they faced the might of Roman general Pompey the Great. Strabo, the famed geographer, painted them as "utterly savage" mountaineers who lived in tree-top forts, subsisting on wild game and nuts, and striking fear into travelers with leopard-like ambushes from above.
When Pompey’s legions marched into their domain, the Heptakometes unleashed a brilliant and deadly ruse. They strategically placed pots of "mad honey"—a potent toxin brewed from rhododendron nectar—for the Romans to find. The soldiers, lured by the sweet bait, consumed it and soon staggered, dazed and helpless, as the honey’s grayanotoxins took hold. Seizing their moment, the Heptakometes descended, slaughtering up to 1,800 Romans in a swift, merciless assault (though numbers vary in historical accounts). This ingenious deployment of mad honey marked the world’s first recorded use of a biological weapon in battle, cementing the Heptakometes’ legacy as cunning defenders of their homeland in İkizdere’s storied past.
İkizdere is an ancient settlement with roots stretching far beyond the Byzantine Empire. Its earliest known inhabitants, the Heptakometes—ancestors of today’s İkizderelians—thrived in this rugged region. The town’s harsh climate, steep mountain slopes, and dense forests formed a natural fortress, deterring would-be invaders and shaping its resilient character.
For centuries, İkizdere fell under the sway of the Byzantine Empire, during which time a local monastery held authority over the area. Following the Seljuk victory at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Rize and its surrounding regions briefly came under Seljuk control. However, Byzantine influence persisted until the area was fully integrated into the Ottoman Empire by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461. During the Ottoman era, İkizdere functioned as a sub-district, and in 1878, Rize was elevated to the status of a sanjak (administrative center).
With the founding of the Republic of Türkiye, İkizdere entered a new chapter. In 1930, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ordered the construction of a school to advance education in the region. By 1952, the government officially declared İkizdere a district, establishing a town center complete with a district government building and courthouse. Essential services soon followed, including a small health clinic, as well as elementary and high schools. Historically, İkizdere was known as "Kuray-ı Saba," meaning "Seven Villages," a nod to its early community structure.mountains slopes and thick forests provided natural defense for those who dare to invade it.
It was under the rule of the Byzantine Empire for many years, during this period it was ruled by a monastery located in İkizdere.
Although Rize and its surroundings came under the control of the Seljuks after the Battle of Manzikert (1071), State of Rize continue the ruled here once again.The area was absorbed into the Ottoman Empire by Sultan Mehmet in 1461.
It became a sub-district in the Ottoman period. In 1878 Rize became the sanjak center. After the Establishment of Modern Republic of Turkiye Ataturk ordered new school to be buld in 1930. İkizdere was declared as a new District by the government in 1952. Town centre was built along with district government building and courthouse. Small health clinic and elementary and high schools was also established.İkizdere was formerly known as Kuray-ı Saba meaning Seven Villages.
The İkizdere Valley stands as a rare ecological gem, recognized as one of the world’s protected regions. It has been designated a conservation area by Türkiye’s Natural Conservation authority, safeguarding its unique biodiversity and pristine landscapes.
This region encompasses vital ecosystems, including the Cimil Stream in the Cimil (Tiron) Valley, the Anzer Plateau, and the Çağırankaya Plateau—each among Türkiye’s most significant protected areas. Research in these zones has explored the rich epilithic algal diversity of the Cimil Stream, highlighting the valley’s ecological importance.
The Caucasian black grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi), a sedentary species, thrives in the Sivrikaya Plateau of İkizdere. It breeds on open slopes dotted with low rhododendron or other scrub vegetation, typically near deciduous broadleaf forests. This elusive bird relies on forest edges for its lifecycle—living, lekking (mating displays), and hatching—in these upland habitats. Classified as "Near Threatened" (NT) on the IUCN Red List of species of high conservation concern, it also falls under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), highlighting its vulnerability. Observations in Sivrikaya, İkizdere, underscore the region’s ecological significance.
A striking expanse of obsidian defines the landscape surrounding Büyük Yayla, a summer village nestled in the Eastern Pontides. Located 25 kilometers southeast of the Black Sea port of Rize and 7 kilometers northeast of İkizdere’s town center, this geological marvel spans altitudes between 1,800 and 2,800 meters above sea level. From its highest point, a vast obsidian lava flow stretches 6 kilometers, its age and thickness a testament to ancient volcanic forces that shaped the region’s rugged terrain.
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ikizdere | ikizderem.com, anzer honey
Anzer Honey ranks among the world’s most expensive and celebrated honeys, renowned for its exceptional healing properties. Harvested from the Anzer Plateau, it owes its potency to a unique blend of nectar from over 500 plant varieties, including 80 endemic flowers found nowhere else on Earth. This extraordinary biodiversity infuses the honey with some of the highest concentrations of valuable nutrients known in natural honey.
To illustrate its remarkable qualities, Anzer Honey boasts an astonishing 25.44 mg of Vitamin C per gram—far surpassing typical honeys, which range from 0.5 to 6.5 mg per 100 grams. By comparison, chestnut honey contains 3.1 to 8.9 mg per gram, underscoring Anzer’s unparalleled richness. (Learn more about the vitamin content of honey.)
The Çağırankaya Plateau, located 25 kilometers east of the town of İkizdere in Rize Province, is accessible via a dirt road. Public transportation operates throughout the summer, providing convenient access to this highland retreat. Perched at an elevation of 3,200 meters above sea level, the Çağırankaya neighborhood is encircled by steep, dramatic cliffs. Its name, derived from the Turkish word "çağırmak" (to call), reflects the echoes that reverberate across its rugged landscape.
The Anzer Plateau, also known as the Ballıköy Plateau, lies 35 kilometers southwest of İkizdere. This highland region experiences a rainy climate year-round, with consistently low temperatures and only a handful of sunny days each year. It is home to Anzer Honey, a renowned polyfloral honey harvested exclusively on the plateau in Türkiye.
The Ovit Plateau, situated along the İkizdere-İspir road in Erzurum Province, is a cherished destination for plateau tourism. This scenic retreat, dotted with 40 to 50 houses, draws both local and international visitors throughout the year. Renowned for its vibrant festivals, the Ovit Plateau captivates travelers with its natural beauty and cultural allure.
Just a five-minute journey from İkizdere’s town center, the stunning Manle Waterfall draws its name from the mountain where it originates. This magnificent 30-meter cascade plunges into a small, tranquil lake at its base, creating a picturesque natural scene. The İkizdere City Hall is currently developing a project to enhance the site, with plans for walkways and a waterfall viewing terrace to elevate the visitor experience.
On the journey to the Cimil Plateau lies a hidden gem: a breathtaking waterfall just 20 kilometers from İkizdere’s town center. Towering at approximately 75 meters, this cascade is enveloped by majestic greenery, offering a serene escape where visitors can unwind to the soothing sounds of nature.
Nestled on the southern slopes of Ovit Mountain, this natural wonder delivers a visual feast, especially during the spring months when water flows abundantly. Known as "Seven Lakes," it actually comprises eleven turquoise volcanic lakes, their vibrant hues captivating all who visit.
Each year, the Çağırankaya Mountain Festival brings together people from neighboring plateaus to celebrate with local cuisine and traditional folk dances. Held in the stunning Çağırankaya Plateau of İkizdere, this vibrant event showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage, offering a feast for both the palate and the spirit.
Each year, massive crowds ascend to 3,000 meters on Ovit Mountain, where local folk singers and world-renowned pop stars, including the iconic Tarkan, take the stage to perform. Hailing from İkizdere himself, Tarkan’s presence adds a special hometown pride to this vibrant festival. Held in the breathtaking highlands of the Ovit Plateau, the event blends traditional melodies with modern beats, drawing music lovers from across Türkiye and beyond.
Every year, during the fourth week of June, the Black Grouse Bird Watching Festival invites nature enthusiasts to observe the rare Caucasian Black Grouse (Tetrao mlokosiewiczi). Listed as "Near Threatened" (NT) on the IUCN Red List, this elusive species can be spotted along the steep slopes of Sivrikaya in İkizdere. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pontic Mountains, this event offers a unique opportunity to witness the bird’s distinctive black plumage and Samblespace
Each year, during the fourth week of February, people from across Türkiye flock to İkizdere for the Çağırankaya Winter Hiking Festival. This exhilarating event offers a memorable snow hike across the stunning Çağırankaya Plateau, where participants can spend the night in cozy mountain houses perched at 3,200 meters above sea level. As evening descends, the festivities light up with brilliant fireworks, spirited local folk dancing, and warm conversations with the plateau’s friendly residents. Set amidst snow-clad cliffs and echoing valleys, this festival beautifully marries adventure with İkizdere’s rich cultural traditions.
hailed as the ancestor of the modern snowboard, has been a cherished tradition in Petran Village (now Meşeköy) in Türkiye’s İkizdere district for over 300 years. Crafted from simple wooden planks, these boards are so straightforward to make that you can shape one in the morning and ride it down the snowy slopes by afternoon. Each year, typically in early February, the Petran Board Festival celebrates this ancient snow-sliding heritage with locals and visitors alike showcasing their skills on these handmade boards. Amidst the stunning Kaçkar Mountains, the event blends thrilling rides with vibrant folk dances and warm hospitality, offering a glimpse into a timeless winter pastime. Click Here for The Video.
Held amidst the breathtaking Kaçkar Mountains, the Ovit Winter Festival transforms the icy heights of Ovit Plateau—perched at 3,000 meters—into a daring celebration of winter endurance. Each year, brave contestants plunge into a freezing glacier lake, testing their mettle against the frigid waters of this high-altitude wonder. Recently, the festival’s allure has grown with the opening of a new three-star hotel, complete with a ski slope, a mini lift, and rental options for skis, snowboards, and snowmobiles. Located along the İkizdere-İspir road, this event blends thrilling aquatic feats with the snowy adventures of the surrounding alpine terrain, making it a unique winter spectacle in Türkiye.