A tourist’s visit to Turkish tea gardens typically involves enjoying the serene atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views. Visitors can relax on comfortable seating, often under shaded canopies, while sipping traditional Turkish tea served in small, tulip-shaped glasses. The experience often includes sampling local snacks, such as simit (sesame bread) or börek (savory pastries), and engaging in conversations with locals. The tea gardens serve as a social hub, providing a glimpse into Turkish culture and hospitality, making it a delightful and immersive experience.

Türkiye is known for its rich tea culture, and the primary area for tea plantations is the Rize Province located on the northeastern coast along the Black Sea. The tea plantation practices are also influenced by practices used in the Türkiye’s neighborhood like Batum in Georgia that shares similar climatic conditions and tea cultivation practices, influencing the tea culture in northeastern Türkiye.

Here are some key areas of tea cultivation

Rize
Rize is the heart of Turkey’s tea production, known for its ideal climate and fertile soil. The region’s steep hillsides are covered with lush tea gardens.The tea produced here is primarily black tea, and Rize is famous for its unique flavor and aroma.

Artvin
Located to the west of Rize, Artvin also has tea plantations, though on a smaller scale. The region’s mountainous terrain contributes to the quality of the tea.

Features
Artvin’s tea is often less commercialized but appreciated for its distinct taste.

Trabzon
Trabzon is another province along the Black Sea, has some tea cultivation, particularly in its rural areas.

Features
The tea from Trabzon is similar to that of Rize but may have variations due to different growing conditions.

Giresun
Giresun is also involved in tea production, although it is less prominent than Rize and Trabzon.

Features
The tea from Giresun is known for its quality and is often enjoyed locally.