Kalkandere is a district located in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye, affiliated with Rize province. It is approximately 25 kilometers away from the city center of Rize. The district has an area of 166 km² and its average elevation from sea level is around 300 meters. It borders Rize Central district to the east, Of district of Trabzon to the west, and İkizdere district to the south.

Kalkandere district receives abundant rainfall throughout the year due to the influence of the Black Sea climate, and this situation makes the district's vegetation rich and diverse. In the district, primarily tea farming, as well as kiwi, corn, and hazelnut production are carried out; agriculture and small-scale animal husbandry form the basis of economic activities. In terms of its natural structure, the district includes various stream beds, plateaus, and forested areas; natural resources such as Andon İçmeleri are particularly noteworthy. Transportation is provided by road, and the district is accessible via internal line roads connected to the Rize-Trabzon highway. Kalkandere is a typical Eastern Black Sea settlement in terms of its regional geographical features and climate structure.

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

History

The oldest known name of Kalkandere is “Kadere”, and this name is thought to originate from the dark stones in the bed of the stream passing through the district, which made the water appear dark. Historically, the district was under the rule of the Cimmerians, Persians, Seljuks, and the Empire of Trebizond. In 1461, it was incorporated into the lands of the Ottoman Empire. During the Republican period, it gained district status in 1957.

Geography and Climate

Kalkandere has an area of 95 km² and an undulating terrain structure. The altitude of the district is approximately 200 meters, and it is surrounded by hills. The region has a typical Black Sea climate; it receives abundant rainfall throughout the year and has high humidity. This climate provides favorable conditions for tea cultivation.

The district's terrain is rugged and covered with broad-leaved tree species. These tree species include bearded alder, beech, chestnut, linden, hornbeam, oak, and laurel. Additionally, the understory vegetation is also quite rich and includes various herbaceous and woody plant species such as rhododendron (Rhododendron).

Population and Demographics

According to TÜİK 2021 data, the population of Kalkandere district is 6,871 people. The district has one municipality together with a total of 22 villages, and a significant portion of the population lives in rural areas. This allows for the largely preserved traditional way of life in the region.

Economy

The economic structure of Kalkandere largely depends on tea cultivation and the tea industry. There are tea processing factories in the district; in addition, small-scale agriculture, beekeeping, and animal husbandry activities also contribute to the local economy.

Tourism, Culture and Cuisine

With its natural beauties, green landscape, and traditional architecture, Kalkandere has potential for alternative tourism. The unique tastes of Black Sea cuisine in the district, especially tea, corn bread, and collard greens dishes, stand out as an important part of the cultural heritage.