Translation
Ayder: A cloud-wreathed ‘honey forest’
Ayder’s breathtaking beauty is to be found where the Black
Sea’s Fırtına (Storm) Valley meets the Kaçkar Mountains.
The area is known locally as a “honey forest,” though its
fame has spread beyond the region. Indeed its beauty is such
that words are not sufficient to describe it; it must be
seen to be understood. However alarm bells are ringing for
Ayder, which has recently become a popular tourist resort.
The Ayder plateau which is located near Çayeli, a small town
of the city of Rize, has a breathtaking beauty.
The Ayder plateau is located near Çayeli, a small town of
the city of Rize. If you leave the coastal road and take the
forest path you will almost immediately find yourself in
pristine natural beauty. With its craggy topography and rich
flora and fauna, the valley ands with the Kaçkar Mountains,
which host glacial lakes feeding the valley’s river. The
damming of the valley was once considered and hotly debated,
but such was the beauty and natural value of the area the
dam project was abandoned.
An ever-present sound of water
If you are already keen to visit Ayder from what you have
heard so far, you are right to be so. However on your
journey through Storm Valley be sure to take a brief break
in Çamlıhemsin. There you can stock up on provisions before
following the river-side path, marked by unique stone
bridges, which will afford you some magnificent views of
small waterfalls and cataracts. Other sights not to be
missed en route include the log cabins about the falls and
the local inhabitants going about their daily business in a
way seemingly unchanged for centuries. As you ascend into
the clouds you approach Ayder. Eleven villages and 44
plateaus are settled within the Kaçkar Mountains National
Park, but the magic of the Ayder plateau is distinct. It has
an imitable beauty. The plateau, now protected, is almost
more like an arboretum or botanic park, home as it is to so
great a variety of plant life.
The plateau’s authentic houses are as interesting as its
nature. You are certainly welcome to step inside uninvited
to chat and taste the local food. Please remember not to
offer to pay for what you have eaten or drunk; such
offerings are a gift, making payment akin to an insult. The
lakes region close to Ayder should also be seen; we
recommend the Black Sea Glacial Lake and Great Sea Lake to
those who feel themselves up to the challenge.
Ayder is full of surprises. Sunshine may all of a sudden sun
turn to rain, or the entire mountain become covered by heavy
fog. Regardless of the weather conditions, its is a beauty
that makes one forget everything but the moment. The
plateau’s abundant nature and scent-laden fresh air make
visitors feel vibrant and full of life.
The steadily growing plateau tourism is making Ayder a focal
point for those who seeking serenity and tranquility. This
increased interest brings with it a tremendous threat: The
concrete houses and pensions nearby the valley are nothing
short of a disgrace.Uncontrolled development indicates that
an imminent threat awaits Ayder, despite its being a
protected area. To remedy the problem the Ministries of
Environment and Forestry and of Culture and Tourism and the
regional municipalities must take immediate action. Concrete
buildings are prohibited in Ayder, but apparently the ban is
not widely observed.
If you have the chance to visit the plateau, don’t forget to
sample the local food -- particularly the renowned honey.
And you will regret it if you don’t quench your thirst from
a crystal-clear spring.
04.04.2007
ABDULLAH KILIÇ RİZE
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=107301
Remember, you can find a great deal of information on the
forums about the areas from people already living there and
holidaymakers.
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