Gölyayla Village in İkizdere — Online Web Camera
History and Origins of Gölyayla
Hidden in the mountains of the Turkish Black Sea region lies the village of Gölyayla — a place where time seems to slow its pace. This online camera offers a view of the mountain landscape and traditional way of life in the İkizdere district. Watching the webcam in real time gives you a chance to appreciate the rugged beauty of Anatolian highlands without leaving home. The village has deep historical roots: it was founded in the 1800s, and its former name was Kabahor (Kabahor) in Greek. In 1913, the village was renamed "Gölyayla" and granted village status. After the conquest of Trabzon, the territory of modern Gölyayla and six neighboring villages formed a timar (fief), likely called Kurai seba (Kura-yı seb'a). The territory of modern Gölyayla and six neighboring villages formed a timar, likely called Kurai seba.
Geography and Altitude
The location is truly mountainous. Gölyayla village is situated in a forested and mountainous area, with its settlements and yaylas (summer pastures) stretching for 10 km along the Kabahor Valley. The settlements and yaylas stretch for 10 km along the Kabahor Valley. The altitude of the village center above sea level is 2073 meters (according to other sources — 1735 m). The altitude of the village center above sea level is 2073 meters. The distance from the village to Rize is 76 km, and to İkizdere — 24 km. The distance from the village to Rize is 76 km, and to İkizdere — 24 km.
Climate and Nature of the Black Sea Mountains
The climate here is humid and temperate, typical of the Black Sea region. The mountains are covered with dense forests and green slopes. Weather conditions are ideal for certain agricultural crops, although tea is quite sensitive. Tea cannot tolerate temperatures below 0°C and above 40°C, dislikes wind, and does not grow when the average annual temperature falls below 14°C.
Agriculture and Traditional Way of Life
The economy of İkizdere is based on agriculture, with the main crops being tea and potatoes; kiwi, corn, pears, and hazelnuts are also cultivated. Main crops are tea and potatoes; kiwi, corn, pears, and hazelnuts are also grown. Livestock farming through the yaylacılık method (moving between summer and winter pastures) and beekeeping are developed in the region. Livestock farming through the yaylacılık method and beekeeping are developed in the region.
Village Structure: Neighborhoods and Yaylas
The village has 5 mahalle (neighborhoods): Gavuzoğulları, Emeçikalar, Mendonli, Chen, Kogoş; 6 mezra (hamlets) and 3 yayla (summer pastures). The village has 5 mahalle and 6 mezra (hamlets). The yaylas (summer pastures) of the village: Gölyayla, Teldemich, and Chench. The yaylas of the village: Gölyayla, Teldemich, and Chench.
What You Can See on the Camera
The online camera captures a picturesque view of the village. In the foreground — a concrete road with metal gates, a wooden bench, and a stack of firewood covered with protective film. A stone retaining wall runs along the road. On the right — a green slope with trees and herbaceous vegetation. In the background, buildings with red roofs and other structures are visible, situated on a mountain slope. In the distance — a mountain landscape with stone retaining walls and winding paths leading up the slope.
