Cimil Valley

Description

A natural and pristine valley located in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize.

Story

Cimil Valley, hidden in the depths of Rize's İkizdere district, in a region where waters are most exuberant and mountains are steepest, is one of the Black Sea's hidden paradises. Cimil is actually a wide valley basin formed by settlements like Başköy, Ortaköy, and Güvenköy. One of the most important elements that makes this place special is the region's unique cultural identity and traditional plateau practices. Cimil Valley has been called the 'valley of scholars' throughout history, not only for animal husbandry but also for the scholars and teachers it raised. Cimil Stream flowing through the valley accompanies you along the valley with its ice-cold waters and the waterfalls it creates, while the massive spruce forests surrounding you cover the sky like a ceiling. The valley's architecture has an aesthetic shaped entirely with local materials, intertwined with nature. When you reach Cimil, you feel that time stopped fifty years ago; wooden granaries, stone houses, and serenders where corn is dried are indispensable parts of this fabric. Cimil Valley is also the source of the region's most famous dairy products; Cimil butter and cheese produced here get their aroma from the plateau's thousand varieties of flowers and the purity of high altitude. The valley is not just a settlement area but also an important walking center leading to glacial lakes around it and peaks above 3000 meters. In spring months, hundreds of small waterfalls gushing from the valley floor with the melting of snows add a fairytale and dynamic atmosphere to the region. For visitors, Cimil Valley is the address of peace and real village life. In this region completely isolated from city noise, you only hear the sound of the stream and bells coming from afar. Cimil people's hospitality makes you feel not like a stranger but like part of this large family. Each corner of the valley is like a studio full of light plays and deep perspectives for nature photographers. Traveling Cimil Valley is understanding that famous fierce but equally sincere spirit of the Black Sea. This is a rare sanctuary that modern tourism has not yet discovered, managing to preserve its naturalness and sincerity. Going to Cimil is paying respect to earth and water in their purest form.

Visit Tips

• The access road to the valley is narrow in some parts; use the pockets to give way to oncoming vehicles and prefer a calm drive.
• Be sure to buy Cimil Cheese and butter from the local people in the valley; the taste and naturalness of these products are the kind you won't find in cities.
• There are many old trails and suspension bridges in the region; getting information from a local guide while exploring these paths is important for your safety.
• Since the valley is deep, the air can suddenly get cold in the evening hours; be sure to bring long-sleeved and warm clothing with you.

Photos