18.09.2025 18:11
A statement that will anger the people of Rize, the first city that comes to mind when 'tea' is mentioned in Turkey, has been made by the famous historian Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı. Ortaylı said, "I don't like Rize tea. The people of Rize should quickly take the tea plants they have planted and grow those beautiful mandarins instead. The world's most beautiful mandarins are grown in Rize; a sharp-minded person has taught them about tea."
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Famous historian Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı made striking statements during a YouTube broadcast he attended.
ILBER ORTAYLI'S STRIKING 'RIZE TEA' REMARK
Ortaylı referred to Rize, the first city that comes to mind when 'tea' is mentioned in Turkey, saying, "I don't like Rize tea. The people of Rize should quickly take the tea they planted and grow those beautiful mandarins back. The world's most beautiful mandarins grow in Rize. I learned this in Georgia. I looked in a few places, and indeed, they are the world's most beautiful mandarins."
"A CLEVER PERSON TAUGHT THEM TEA"
Ortaylı made a striking statement with his words, "I guess it wasn't easy to transport mandarins and citrus fruits back then. A clever person taught them tea."
"DELICIOUS TEA COMES FROM INDIA AND CHINA"
Ortaylı also argued that quality tea production is not possible in Turkey, emphasizing that delicious teas can only be sourced from countries like India and China.
WIDESPREAD REACTION
Ortaylı's statements sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many citizens from Rize involved in tea farming expressing their discontent.
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