Kadırga Plateau (Trabzon border section)

Description

Located on the Şalpazarı side of Trabzon, Kadırga Plateau is a vast natural area known for its misty hills, highland festivals, and cool mountain air.

Story

The section of Kadırga Plateau that lies within the borders of Trabzon has long been known as one of the key gathering points of the Eastern Black Sea mountain culture. These highlands belonging to Şalpazarı, rising to almost two thousand meters above sea level, offer a cool escape even in midsummer. As you climb towards the plateau, hazelnut orchards and village houses first accompany the road; as the altitude increases, they give way to spruce and beech forests, and finally to wide alpine meadows. Kadırga Plateau’s most distinctive feature is that it transcends provincial and district borders and has created a shared way of life and a common festival culture. Highlanders from Trabzon, Gümüşhane and the surrounding districts gather on these flatlands in summer. The Kadırga Festivals, which have been held for centuries, are great communal events where the sound of the kemençe mixes with the mist and the traditional horon dance raises dust from the ground. Especially on the Trabzon side, families from Şalpazarı and nearby villages stay in wooden highland houses, tending their livestock while spending the summer in the cool mountain air. The natural character of the plateau still preserves the traditional landscape that is rapidly disappearing in other parts of the Black Sea region. Large herds of cattle graze on the extensive pastures, locals fill their containers at the fountains, and simple meals of cheese and corn bread laid out on the grass allow visitors to witness the everyday life of the highlands. The fog that settles in the early morning and disperses towards noon gives the scenery a constantly changing stage-like feel; hills that seem almost within your reach at one moment disappear behind the clouds a few minutes later. The Trabzon section of Kadırga Plateau is also suitable for hiking and photography. Paths stretching from gentle slopes up to the ridges form enjoyable routes for experienced hikers, although they can become slippery in the rain. Sudden showers and fog can arrive even in summer and easily surprise those who come unprepared, so carrying a raincoat and warm clothing is essential. Evenings cool down quickly, and on clear nights, far from city lights, a rarely seen sky full of stars appears. Around the plateau, you will find small groceries used by highland families, tea houses, and modest eateries serving local dishes. Corn bread, kuymak (a buttery cornmeal and cheese dish), pan-fried fresh cheese in butter, and thick highland yoghurt are among the flavors you should definitely try here. With this section within Trabzon’s borders, Kadırga Plateau has become more accessible thanks to modern transportation, yet it still manages to preserve its centuries-old highland order and hospitality, remaining one of the rare natural areas that maintain their authentic character.

Visit Tips

• Before going to Kadırga Plateau, check the weather; visibility may decrease on foggy days, making hiking more difficult.
• If you plan to participate in the plateau festivals, research the dates in advance and communicate with the local people to get information about the events.
• Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes while hiking in the plateau, as the trails can sometimes be slippery and uneven.
• If you enjoy photography, it's best to go early in the morning or in the late afternoon; during these times, the play of light in nature is quite impressive.

Photos