This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Market, located on the Black Sea coast east of Rize province in northeastern Türkiye, is a district with an area of 173 km². It is bordered by Ardeşen to the east, Çayeli to the west, and Hemşin and Çamlıhemşin to the south. Along its northern boundary facing the Black Sea, it has a coastline of approximately 15 kilometres. It is situated about 38 kilometres from the provincial centre. The district’s population density follows the average pattern of Rize, shaped by its geographical constraints and use of natural areas. Due to its geographical position, it holds advantages in terms of transportation and logistics. It is one of the prominent settlements in the district known for tea agriculture, coastal fishing, and rural tourism activities.
Pazar (Source: Pazar Municipality)
The history of Pazar extends back to the 6th century BCE. In antiquity, this settlement was known as Athina and lay within the boundaries of the Kingdom of Colchis. It is one of the geographical areas mentioned in the Greek myth of the Golden Post. In ancient times, it was recognized as one of the key points along the Black Sea coast. During the Roman period, it developed as a coastal town and under the Byzantine Empire fulfilled religious and administrative functions.
region came under the rule of the Trabzon Empire and passed into Ottoman sovereignty in 1461 following the conquest of Trabzon by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. During this period, Pazar was a subdistrict under the Lazistan Sanjak. After the proclamation of the Republic, it gained district status in 1928. The name Athina was Turkified and changed to Pazar during this period. In 1953, following the establishment of Ardeşen district, several villages in the east were transferred to Pazar.
Pazar district lies on a narrow strip along the Black Sea coast, nestled against the northern slopes of the Eastern Black Sea Mountains. Its topography features steep slopes rising from the shoreline and sharply inclined valleys. Settlements are concentrated along the coast, while inland areas are used for agriculture and transhumance.
The climate is typical of the Black Sea region, with consistent rainfall and high moisture throughout the year. The annual average temperature is 14.3°C and total precipitation reaches approximately 2,250 mm. Winters rarely drop below 0°C while summers are cool and humid. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with risks of salt and landslide. Due to microclimate effects, some high-altitude settlements experience prolonged climatic variations.
According to the 2024 Address-Based Population Registration System (ADNKS) data, the total population of Pazar district is 31,776, of whom 15,981 are female and 15,795 are male. The majority of the population resides in the district centre, but settlement also continues in rural neighbourhoods. Pazar has 1 center municipality and 48 village. The majority of the population works in education, public services, and agricultural production sectors. The young population is observed to migrate to large cities due to university and employment opportunities. Temporary population increases occur during Summer months.
The economy of Pazar district is based on agriculture and the service sector. The most significant agricultural product is tea. Tea cultivation, which has continued since the 1940s, plays a central role in the regional economy. The district hosts numerous private tea factories and cooperatives. In addition, hazelnut, kiwi, maize, and certain vegetables are also produced. Fishing is carried out along the coast, with anchovy, sprat, herring and mackerel like being the main species caught.
The trade sector has developed around local consumption and the sale of agricultural products. Commercial activities are limited in scale; small-scale food processing and carpenter workshops exist. The demand for skilled labour in the tea industry has contributed to a structural change process within the regional economy.
Pazar district has a natural structure suitable for nature tourism, with its forested areas, rivers, and highland pastures. Kız Kalesi, located within the district, is one of the notable structures due to its position off the Black Sea coast. The district’s highland pastures attract visitors during the summer months. Walking paths, social areas, and camping zones have been established along the shoreline.
In cultural life, Laz music, horon, and kemençe are prominent elements. Highland migrations, the imece tradition, and local festivals are part of the region’s traditional practices.
In Kitchen culture, dishes unique to Rize are also common in Pazar. Dishes such as karalahana soup and stuffed leaves, corn bread, muhlama, herring pilaf, laz böreği, pepeçura, and pickled vegetable stew are frequently consumed. Cheese made from highland milk and yogurt hold a significant place in local consumption.
History
Geography and Climate
Population and Demographics
Economy
Tourism, Culture and Cuisine