Ayder

Ayder is a yayla in Rize Province, Turkey.

Etymology

Ayder is the Hemshin word for "fields."^[1]

Geography

Ayder at 40°57′N 41°05′E is a typical yayla with no settled population; it hosts visitors during summers. The average altitude is 1,350 metres (4,430 ft). It is a part of Çamlıhemşin District of Rize Province. The distance to Çamlıhemşin is 17 kilometres (11 mi) and to Rize is 88 kilometres (55 mi).

As a resort

Although well known locally, the first mention of Ayder in official papers was in 1871 when the hot springs in Ayder were noted.^[2] The temperature of the water is 55⁰C (131⁰F). However, the most attractive feature of Ayder is its dense forestry and a number of waterfalls nearby. In 1987 the location was declared a tourist center by the government.

Ayder is famous for its rhododendron honey, which is produced in beehives hung on trees.^[3] It is also famous for its trout, which is farmed in abundance between Ayder and Çamlıhemşin.