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Çamlıhemşin Historical Places

Çamlıhemşin Historical Places: The Centuries-Old Story of Stone and Wood

Although green forests and wild streams come to mind first when Çamlıhemşin is mentioned, this geography also hosts a deep-rooted historical heritage extending from the Silk Road route to expatriate work in Russia. Castles established like eagle's nests on the steep slopes of the valley, elegant stone bridges connecting the two sides of the stream, and mansions that witness a rich life experience...

We have listed the historical treasures of the region for those who want to turn their nature walk into a cultural tour in Çamlıhemşin.

1. Eagle's Nest: Zilkale (Bell Castle)

It is one of the most impressive castles in Çamlıhemşin and even Turkey. Located 15 km from the district center, on the western slopes of Fırtına Creek, it is built on the edge of a 100-meter cliff. It is estimated that it was built during the Genoese or Empire of Trebizond period in the Middle Ages to ensure the safety of caravans on the Silk Road. With its steep location and fairytale appearance, it is the most photographed historical structure in the region.

Click for Zilkale History, Legends, and Visiting Hours

2. Guardian of the Valley: Kale-i Bala (Upper Castle)

It is the lesser-known but equally valuable brother of Zilkale. It is located approximately 40 km up from Çamlıhemşin, within the borders of Hisar Highland (Kaleköy). Established on a hill dominating the valley (1600m altitude), this castle spreads over a quite large area as inner walls and outer walls. It offers a mystical atmosphere where nature and history are intertwined, remaining more pristine compared to Zilkale.

Click for How to Get to Kale-i Bala? Detailed Guide

3. Historical Hemşin Mansions

It is the most sorrowful and aesthetic heritage of Çamlıhemşin history. These are the houses built by the local people who went abroad to countries like Russia, Poland, and Germany in the 19th and early 20th centuries to work as bakers and pastry chefs, upon their return to their villages with the money they earned. Generally being 3 stories high; these mansions attract attention with their stone bottom floor, wooden upper floors, and wide eaves architecture. You can see the most distinguished examples of this architecture especially in Konaklar Neighborhood (Makrevis), Ortan Village, and Şenyuva (Çinçiva) villages.

Click for Hemşin Mansions Route and Architectural Features

4. Stone Arch Bridges: Necklaces of Fırtına

These bridges, built to cross the wildly flowing Fırtına Creek and its tributaries, are engineering marvels. Thanks to their single-arched and high structures, they have been protected from the floods of the stream. There are more than 20 registered historical bridges in the region. The most important ones are:

Şenyuva (Çinçiva) Bridge: It is the oldest and longest single-arched bridge in the region (Known construction date is 1696). It has hosted many TV series and movies.
Mikron Bridge: An elegant bridge skillfully placed at the point where the stream narrows, located in Kavak Neighborhood.
Timisvat (Ottoman) Bridge: Located in Köprüköy area, it is a popular bridge that has been restored and has trout facilities next to it.