İyidere pileki stone is a type of basalt-derived, porphyritic-textured, and high heat-resistant stone extracted from the İyidere Cave, located within the borders of the İyidere district of Rize province, Turkey. It was registered as a geographical indication on July 24, 2024, with the registration type designated as a designation of origin. The application was made on April 12, 2021; the registration number is 1618. The registration application was submitted by the İyidere District Governorship, and the geographical indication registration for the stone has been limited to the İyidere district.

^{Cave where İyidere Pileki Stone is Extracted (Black Sea Cultural Inventory)}

Morphological Characteristics

İyidere pileki stone is a gray-colored, porphyritic-textured igneous rock classified as basaltic-andesitic tuff. After being extracted from the cave, it is hand-carved and shaped into various cooking utensils according to its intended use. This type of stone is characterized by its resistance to high temperatures and is heated and hardened at high temperatures before use.

Usage Areas and Product Types

İyidere pileki stone is processed into different forms according to its intended use. The main types of use are as follows:

• Bread Pileki: Produced from whole stones 40 cm in diameter. It has a thickness of 3–4 cm and a depth of 4–6 cm.
• Anchovy Pileki: Made from quarter stones 25 cm in diameter. It is oval-shaped, with one side sloped and a hole on its lower edge. It has a thickness of 2–3 cm and a depth of 3–5 cm.
• Frankish Stove / Stew Pot: Made from 'kotluk' stones 50 cm in diameter. The stone pots have handles on both sides and a stone lid on top. They have a thickness of 4–5 cm and a depth of 6–8 cm.

The stone blocks used in the production of these stones are classified by thickness as quarter (25 cm), full (40 cm), and 'kotluk' (50 cm).

^{İyidere Pileki Stone Pot (T.C. Ministry of Culture and Tourism)}

Mineralogy and Chemical Composition

The chemical and mineralogical properties of İyidere pileki stone are as follows:

Chemical Components

• SiO₂: 48–48.03%
• Al₂O₃: 17.85–17.89%
• Fe₂O₃: 9.55–9.58%
• CaO: 4.31–4.35%
• MgO: 5.48–5.40%
• K₂O: 4.5–4.7%
• Na₂O: 5.25–5.27%
• LOI (Loss on Ignition): 4.74–4.75%

Mineralogical Composition

• K-feldspar: 26.5–26.9%
• Plagioclase: 16.7–17%
• Diopside: 15.4–15.5%
• Analcime: 30–30.5%
• Clinoptilolite: 2.9–3.5%
• Vermiculite: 2.9–3.5%
• Volcanic Glass: 4.7–5%

Dominant minerals include zeolite group minerals (especially analcime and clinoptilolite), K-feldspar, plagioclase, and diopside. Minor amounts of vermiculite and volcanic glass are present.

Production Process

The production of İyidere pileki stone is carried out from basalt units located in the pillow lava structure found in the İyidere Cave. Production is performed by experienced craftsmen working under expert supervision.

The traditional tools and equipment used are:

• Round Compass: Used to determine the stone's diameter.
• Rimit: A two-pointed, sharp hammer used for extracting the stone from the cave.
• Külünk: A hammer with one pointed end and one curved end. It is used for shaping the stone.

After identifying stones of appropriate thickness, the craftsman marks their perimeter and extracts them by applying even force with a 'rimit'. The stone removed from the cave is shaped with the help of a 'külünk'. Each craftsman leaves their own mark (master's signature) on the underside of the stone they produce.

Geographical Boundary

The entire production process must take place within the borders of the İyidere district, specifically in the İyidere Cave. The stages of stone extraction, processing, and hardening for use require knowledge, techniques, and craftsmanship specific to this geographical area. There is a link between the product's reputation and its geographical boundary.

Supervision and Protection

The production process is controlled by a supervision system coordinated by the İyidere District Governorship. The supervision board consists of one representative from each of the following institutions:

• İyidere District Governorship
• İyidere Municipality
• İyidere District National Education Directorate
• İyidere District Agriculture and Forestry Directorate
• Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Department of Civil Engineering
• S.S. İyidere Agricultural Development Cooperative

Inspections are carried out regularly at least once a year. Inspections are also possible when necessary or upon complaint. Inspection criteria include the extraction of the stone from the cave, the suitability of product dimensions and thicknesses, adherence to traditional production methods, and the correct use of the marking system (logo, inscription, designation of origin emblem). In necessary cases, external experts or service procurement are also possible.

Marking and Use

The product or its packaging must bear the inscription "İyidere Pileki Stone", the product logo, and the designation of origin emblem. If these elements cannot be applied directly to the stone or packaging, they must be displayed in a readily visible manner at the establishment.

^{The Professional Journey of İyidere Pileki Stone Carving Master Mustafa Yılmaz (İmdat DEMİR)}