Nayla (Serender)

Nayla (serender), East is a traditional storage structure commonly found in the Black Sea region, especially in Rize, Artvin and Trabzon, constructed on wooden pillars and typically adorned with wooden decorations. These structures are used to dry and store agricultural products such as maize, legumes, potato, oil and cheese, protecting them from pests.

^{Nayla (}Ministry of Culture and Tourism⁾

Serender is a traditional wooden structure that has been used for centuries to adapt to the geographical and climatic conditions of Black Sea Region. Given the region’s high elevation and heavy rainfall, these structures have provided ideal solutions for the long-term storage of agricultural produce. The origins of serenders are closely linked to the development of agricultural activities in the area. As production of maize, hazelnut and other cereals increased, the need arose for secure storage and protection of these crops. Elevated on pillars, serenders maximized air circulation to facilitate drying and prevent moisture damage. Additionally, flat stones called “teker” placed beneath the structure’s legs prevented rodents and other pests from accessing the stored goods. Ottoman-era land registry records document the presence of serender-like structures in rural settlements across the Black Sea region, demonstrating that serenders have played an integral role in the agricultural life of the local population for centuries.

Similar structures can be found across world in various cultures. For example, the Norwegian “stabbur” and the Spanish “hórreo” share functional and structural similarities with serenders. These parallels reveal how different societies developed comparable solutions to meet similar needs. Until the mid-20th century, serenders were widely used, but they gradually lost their functionality with the advent of modern storage methods and technologies. Nevertheless, they are still recognized as an important part of the region’s cultural heritage, and various efforts are underway to preserve them.

^{Nayla (}Ministry of Culture and Tourism⁾

Naylas are typically raised structures built on four, six or eight wooden pillars. Access is provided via a removable and easily portable ladder. The façades feature wooden ornamentation, and the roof is usually covered with sheet metal or flat wooden planks to prevent water leakage.

Naylas carry significance not only as food storage structures but also as integral elements of the region’s cultural heritage. These buildings exemplify fine traditional woodworking and contribute a distinctive character to the landscapes and villages of the Black Sea region. Moreover, their construction from natural materials helps preserve the natural environment of the stored products.

^{Nayla (}Ministry of Culture and Tourism⁾

Today, some naylas are still in use, while others have been restored for tourism and converted into accommodation units. However, many nayla structures have been abandoned and are at risk of deterioration over time. As a result, various conservation and restoration initiatives are being carried out to protect naylas and ensure their transmission to future generations.

^{Nayla (}Ministry of Culture and Tourism⁾