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Feretiko (Rize Cloth)

Feretiko is a type of fabric woven from jute (hemp) yarn on a loom. It is also known as “Rize cloth” because it is produced especially in Rize. In the 1960s, before tea cultivation started, almost every house in Rize had a Feretiko loom. The tea-cultivated areas in Rize today were covered with hemp used to obtain yarn before this date.

Feretiko fabric, by virtue of its special texture, absorbs and expels body sweat. It eliminates unpleasant odors caused by perspiration. It is a very strong cloth compared to others. The fabric reflects the conception of art in the region and it is still used in the manufacture of products such as tablecloths and curtains with its solid, natural structure and stylish appearance.

Basket 

Due to the rugged terrain of Rize, most of the transportation has been done on the back with a basket. Although different basket types are produced in the region, they are generally two-legged and have two laces to be attached to the back. The ones made from chestnut tree wood are more durable, but most of them are made of hazelwood. As baskets are designed according to the product to be carried, it is possible to find different basket creations. 

Hemşin Knitted Socks

Knitted sock is a handicraft unique to Rize’s Hemşin and Çamlıhemşin districts. The main material of the socks is sheep’s wool. In June and September, the wool is clipped and washed thoroughly. The washed wool is carded with a wool card and then wool is turned into thread with a spindle. The socks are knitted in various sizes and patterns, and the source of inspiration for the motifs is the mother nature. Some socks are named after the motif: cherry blossom, tea road, Cybele, flower garden, red tulip, carob, garden, daisy... Even though generally there are efforts for respecting the traditional woolen threads, some socks are also knitted with orlon threads.

Wrought Copperware

Even though today, wrought copperware in Rize is mostly a touristic activity, it is a yearned and delicate craftmanship. The wrought copperware is an art of using the hammer in Rize. In Rize copper craftmanship, the bottom connection points of items such as flat cans, boilers and pitchers are very durable thanks to the cross-forging.

Wicker Stool

Wicker stool manufacturing in the 1920s using corn cobs and it developed in the region with different patterns like herringbone and matting. The principal materials were ropes obtained from ivy and corn seedlings for many years. This tradition, which still continues in the region, is mostly made with synthetic fibre threads. Continuing the production, today craftsmen weave beach and picnic baskets using willow sticks and put them up for sale as souvenirs.

Puşi (scarf)

The traditional dress accessory and symbol of the woman from Hemşin, puşi is a vibrant, colorful, long scarf embroidered on the edges and wrapped in the form of a thin ribbon over the main scarf.

Woodworks

Due to its climate, various and many tree species grow in Rize. Each tree has its own characteristics and woodworking is adapted to the characteristics of the tree. Some trees are very thick, carved in one piece, like pots and pans. Some woods are soft, easy to handle, while others are hard and heavy. Alder, chestnut, walnut, fir, hornbeam, ash, linden, hazelnut, pear, cherry are the main tree types in the region. The craftsman who makes different items using such a variety of materials must also be very skilled and competent. An amazing art to discover and admire!

Hawk

While wandering around Rize’s districts such as Ardeşen, Pazar and Çayeli, you may come across hawks on the arms of people. Hawk is a bird of prey. However, the bird has been tamed and it has earned a justified respect and love in the region with his imposing stance, sharp gaze, unique seriousness and hunting skill. It is really surprising that such a bird stays calmly on one’s arm, applies correctly what it has learned on the orders of its owner, hunts for humans, waits with the same calmness when it finishes its duty, and wanders arm in arm with its owner in the city centre. The hawk-hunting technique is thought to be inherited from Central Asia.