Ayder

Ayder, a fascinating plateau tucked away in the lush surroundings of northeastern Turkey, has developed from a modest resting spot to a popular tourist destination. Situated 1,350 meters above sea level in Rize province, 19 kilometers southeast of the çamlıhemşin district, this lovely refuge. Although Ayder’s precise population is unknown, its rich past and natural beauty have drawn attention from both nearby residents and tourists from far-off.

Ayder’s beginnings can be found in the 1300s when the Hala Valley residents founded it. Unlike popular belief, Ayder was not first used as a conventional plateau for long stays. Rather, it provided a special resting place for the local residents during their seasonal migration. As they traveled to higher pastures including Kavrun, Ceymakçur, and Paákçur, the people living in the Hala Valley would make calculated stops at Ayder, especially to enjoy the rejuvenating qualities of its hot springs.

According to researcher Metehan Mollamehmetoğlu, Ayder’s function as a resting place grew more evident in the 1900s. Still, the therapeutic hot springs that define the area have a far longer past—records going back to the 1700s. Ayder’s identity has revolved mostly on these natural thermal waters, which also helped to shape the site into a tourist destination.

Ayder’s etymology helps one to understand its topography. From the Hemşin dialect, where it is equivalent to the Armenian word “ard,” meaning “field,” the name comes. This linguistic link emphasizes the historical importance of the plateau as an area of open meadows, vital for the pastoral activities of its early occupants.

The seasonal rhythms of pastoral life are closely entwined with Ayder’s cultural background. Reflecting their agricultural methods and customs, the local population followed a well-defined schedule of plateau use. May would see the people climbing to Ayder, then to Aşağı Ceymakçur in June, and subsequently Yukarı Ceymakçur in July. August brought a return to Aşağı Ceymakçur, culminating in an Ayder grass-cutting festival called Hodoc. September would bring them back to Ayder before their October trip to the wintery Hala village.

In local parlance, the Hodoc festival—also known as “Ĥodoç—was more than just a farming celebration. It was a period of communal bonding and cultural expression when mowing meadows was accompanied by joyful singing of folk songs. This custom embodied the great social cohesion of the Hala Valley community. Unfortunately, although the memory of Ĥodoç day endures in Ayder, its observance has declined among the younger generations, underscoring the changing character of regional customs in the face of modernism.

The discovery of the therapeutic qualities of Ayder’s thermal springs set off his change from a seasonal resting place to a year-round tourist destination. Increased curiosity in these healing waters during the Ottoman era prepared Ayder’s future growth. Declared an official tourism center in 1987, a crucial decision was taken that resulted in the building of contemporary facilities meant to fully utilize Ayder’s natural resources.

Ayder’s thermal springs are quite amazing; waters rising from a depth of 260 meters reach scorching 50 to 55 degrees Celsius. These mineral-rich waters are supposed to be therapeutic for many different kinds of diseases. Rheumatic diseases, internal disorders, gynecological issues, and various skin conditions are among the many health problems that visitors seek to alleviate through Ayder’s thermal treatments.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Dr. Mustafa Güler of Karadeniz Technical University has given these assertions validity. He asserts that the thermal waters can be beneficial for rheumatic joint diseases, nervous system disorders, digestive and circulatory system ailments, as well as urinary tract and reproductive organ issues. Moreover, the springs have shown good success in treating skin disorders including psoriasis, eczema, and even teenage acne.

Ayder guests have several choices for enjoying the thermal waters. They can immerse themselves in communal pools, opt for private baths, or even drink the water to reap its internal benefits. Medical experts stress, meanwhile, the need of moderation and care when undergoing thermal treatments. It is recommended that individuals limit themselves to no more than two baths per day to avoid potential adverse effects.

Moreover, certain health conditions may contraindicate the use of thermal baths. Those with heart diseases, high blood pressure, or bleeding disorders should exercise especially great care. Before starting any thermal treatments, medical professionals highly advise seeing a specialist. Luckily, Ayder’s spa features on-site medical experts who can offer direction and guarantee guest safety.

One interesting phenomena connected to thermal spring use is the “Spa Crisis.” This disorder, marked by transient weakness, can show up following several bath treatments. While generally not a cause for alarm, it underscores the potent effects of the thermal waters and the need for responsible usage.