Explore with me another extreme point of Turkey that I suddenly discovered while on my trip to Trabzon region
It is truly amazing, but so close to what I call "Georgian" Turkey (because it is on the border with Georgia), I found another fascinating "Swiss" Turkey... because of the similarity between the mountains and the nature. This is the Ayder Plateau, which is only 42 km from Ardaşen, where I lived 7 days and experienced incredibly exciting experiences!
I explored this strange rainy land, which enchanted with its tea hills and the roar of the furious Firtina River, trying to see more exotic places. And then the locals recommended visiting a waterfall nearby... We set off in the afternoon, not even realizing what awaited us ahead! We drove by car, winding along picturesque serpentines to this plateau, where dense spruce-beech forests rise to the mountains, along a rapid mountain river. And finally we arrived, and we were amazed!
Suddenly we realized that there is an active tourist destination high in the mountains. On both sides of the road there were many wooden hotels with elements of the local style - all this against the backdrop of majestic mountains and waterfalls.
This place looked like another country: wooden architecture, harmoniously integrated into the landscape, a style that emphasizes lightness, naturalness. Among the tall, modern hotels were small wooden manors, offering to feel the peace and exoticism of this ancient village. If I were to come here for a few days, I would choose a cozy room with wooden shutters, closer to the river, to completely immerse myself in the atmosphere of the sounds of nature.
But we arrived for only two hours, and we had to hurry to see the famous waterfall. We discovered a problem: there were too many cars and there was no way to find a parking space. We moved slowly in the stream, hoping to stop somewhere, and we were lucky to find a place.
There was a large spacious valley under the mountain, where many people were sitting on the grass and resting as families. Many people of Arab appearance, whose women walked in long black clothes. And against this background my girls looked like two exotic fair elves in short skirts :)
Then we walked along the side of the road, looking at small wooden huts that looked like a museum of ancient architecture. And it seems that there, among the hotels and active tourist life, there are still villagers who keep livestock and offer their natural products. All this harmoniously complemented each other. There was an atmosphere of relaxation and pleasure.
The name "Ayder" comes, according to one version, from the language of the local people - it means "fields". But what is interesting: there are almost no large plains-fields here. Small wooden huts hidden among the mountains, in the green of the trees, like long-livers, fascinate with their unique style. Near one hut I took a photo of luxurious orange calendula flowers, like in my native Ukraine.
Ayder Yaylası is often called the “Turkish Switzerland”
Clean mountain air, steep slopes, green valleys, wooden mountain huts standing apart from each other, and everywhere - waterfalls falling from high cliffs.
Like the Swiss Alps, the Kaçkar Mountains (Kaçkar Dağları) surrounding Ayder have a sharp change in altitude, with dense forests below and rocky peaks above.
In Switzerland - wooden chalets with carved balconies;
In Ayder - houses made of local wood with wide roofs to withstand snow and rain, and decorated with wooden details.
People and lifestyle:
In both Switzerland and Ayder, people have lived in mountain meadows since ancient times, engaged in cattle breeding and honey...
The local inhabitants of Ayder, the Hemşinliler, have their own culture, language and traditions that combine Turkish, Armenian and Caucasian roots. They built these wooden houses to withstand snow, rain and humidity - like true mountain craftsmen...
They say: in Turkey, nature, history, and culture have elements of many countries.
I have already discovered "Greek", "Georgian", "Swiss" Turkey, and when I climbed this mountain and saw these purple bell flowers, I suddenly realized - this is "Ukrainian" Turkey! I collected these flowers in my native village of Rokytne. Now I feel like a resident of planet Earth!
Finally, we approached the highest point, where there is an observation deck, from which a panorama opens up of an amazing waterfall among the dense green slopes in the gorge, which looks like a silver winding ribbon against the backdrop of rocks!
This waterfall is called Gelintulu Şelalesi, which means bridal veil. The water falls from a height of over 80 meters and truly resembles a white veil swaying in the wind. We stared at this natural wonder for a long time, as if enchanted!
Every time I visit such a beautiful natural place, it's as if I've found another precious pearl that I've put into the treasury of my soul!
So, when you visit here, when you see the misty haze between the mountains, the roofs hidden in the clouds, you really feel like you are somewhere in Switzerland.
But it is worth hearing the music from the neighboring cafe, smelling the cornbread, and you will understand: this is Turkey...
By the way, almost all cafes have menus published in Arabic. It's a mystery to me why?
As I was already descending the road to our car, I took a picture of these amazing multi-colored dolls! This photo is a reminder for me of a few bright hours of our lives spent on the Ayder Plateau.
Thank you for your visit 😊 ♥️