Nestled between the emerald green mountains and the shimmering waters of the Black Sea, Pazar invites you to explore its rich history, stunning nature, warm culture, and unforgettable flavors. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, you’ll find it here — in the heart of the eastern Black Sea.
Pazar is a picturesque coastal district nestled in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey, within Rize Province. Framed by lush green mountains and the deep blue waters of the Black Sea, Pazar offers visitors a harmonious blend of natural beauty, rich traditions, and genuine hospitality. The district is renowned for its vibrant tea plantations, serene atmosphere, and friendly locals. Though small in size, Pazar captures the very essence of the Black Sea spirit, making it a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by nature enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
Pazar was founded in 64 BC by Pompey under the name "Athena." The Greek word "Athena" means Minerva in Latin, symbolizing wisdom, beauty, and intellect. Founded by the Roman consul Pompey, Athena remained under Roman rule for a long time. Due to the mountainous terrain, it served as a refuge for Greeks, Georgians, Mergellers, and Armenians fleeing invasions. No records show Muslims entering the Athena region during the Umayyad period despite significant invasions in Anatolia. The direct contact with Islam began when the Turks embraced Islam in 1054. The region accepted Islam completely at that time. After the capture of Trabzon from the Pontic Empire by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1461, the Rize coast fell entirely under Ottoman control. Athena, now under Turkish rule, was given to commanders as a fief. During the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim, a part of the population from Erzurum was resettled in Rize. In the Ottoman period, Pazar was managed as a fief for a long time. Before Batum was ceded to Russia, it remained part of Batum. It was officially made a district in 1864. Pazar was occupied by Russian forces in 1916 and liberated in 1918. In the Republican era, the name Athena was changed to Pazar in 1928, meaning "marketplace." Pazar is located in the east of Rize, along the Hopa-Rize highway. To the east is Ardeşen, to the west is Çayeli, to the south are Hemşin and Çamlıhemşin districts, and to the north is the Black Sea. The total area is 315 km². The terrain is rugged, with deep valleys, and the district experiences regular rainfall throughout the year. Summers are cool, and winters are rainy, raising the humidity. The district's major rivers are Hemşin Creek, Bodasarı, Melyat, and Hunarsu. Learn more
Pazar is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Endless green tea gardens stretch across the hillsides, creating postcard-perfect landscapes throughout the year. The nearby Kaçkar Mountains offer excellent opportunities for trekking, hiking, and camping, with trails suitable for all levels of adventure seekers.
For water sports lovers, the pristine rivers are ideal for rafting and canoeing, while the dramatic Black Sea coastline invites visitors for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing during the warmer months. Whether you prefer adrenaline-pumping activities or quiet moments in nature, Pazar has something for every traveler.
Pazar’s local cuisine offers a true taste of the Black Sea’s culinary traditions.
Signature dishes include:
Laz böreği (a unique dessert combining flaky pastry with creamy custard, often lightly sweetened and dusted with powdered sugar),
Hamsi (anchovies prepared in countless delicious ways),
Mıhlama (a mouth-watering melted cheese and cornmeal dish),
Karalahana sarması (stuffed collard greens),
Cornbread, and
Pide (local flatbread pizzas with unique toppings).
No visit would be complete without savoring a cup of freshly brewed Rize tea, produced from the lush plantations blanketing Pazar’s hills. The deep aroma and rich taste of this tea are inseparable from the spirit of the region itself.
The people of Pazar are known for their heartfelt hospitality, strong community ties, and joyful celebrations. Music and dance are essential parts of daily life, with the lively Horon dance, performed to the rhythm of the tulum (a traditional bagpipe), being a hallmark of local festivities.
Artisan crafts such as hand-woven textiles, woodwork, and traditional markets (pazar yerleri) further reflect the deep cultural roots of the area. In Pazar, visitors don’t just observe the culture — they become a part of it.
Pazar is easily accessible by both road and air transportation. Located along the Rize-Hopa highway, it is approximately 38 kilometers from Rize city center and can be reached by private car, intercity buses, or minibuses operating regularly along the Black Sea coast. For air travel, visitors can fly into Rize-Artvin Airport, the only airport serving both Rize and Artvin provinces, which is conveniently located just a few kilometers from Pazar. From the airport, taxis and shuttle services are available to take travelers directly into the town, making Pazar a convenient and well-connected destination for visitors to the eastern Black Sea region.
Hotels: You’ll find several small hotels and guesthouses offering cozy accommodations with stunning views of the sea or mountains.
Pensions: Family-run pensions provide an authentic experience and are perfect for those who want to dive deeper into the local lifestyle.
Camping: Adventure lovers can camp near rivers, beaches, or in the foothills of the Kaçkar Mountains.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) offer the best weather — mild temperatures and lush landscapes.
Local Markets: Visit the traditional markets on Sundays to experience the real vibe of Pazar and shop for local produce, honey, and handicrafts.
Cultural Events: Try to coincide your visit with a local festival to witness traditional music, dance, and cuisine all in one lively atmosphere.
Respect Nature: Always respect the natural environment, especially when hiking or exploring rural areas.
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Images are sourced from the official website of the District Governor's Office of Pazar, Türkiye. Resources:Learn more
Pazar, in Rize, is a small town surrounded by the Black Sea and endless tea plantations, it’s home to me and the Laz people.
To feel the abundance of the Black Sea, meet the local producers in Pazar. The fishing culture and organic farming here preserve the ancient flavors of Anatolia.
Pazar district in Rize offers the most authentic flavors of the Black Sea. Its anchovies, mıhlama, and Laz böreği are among Turkey's most unique tastes. Having tea at a fishmonger’s café in Pazar is a special pleasure!
Historical sites like Pazar's Ziraat Garden shed light on the late Ottoman period. The wooden mansions and tea factories here resemble an open-air museum.
Waking up to the sounds of horon in Pazar is to feel the soul of the Black Sea. The music and nature of this land are a whole.
If you're looking for the unique texture of the Black Sea, you should visit small coastal towns like Pazar in Rize. The relationship of the people here with the sea reminds one of fishing villages in Europe.