Abdullah Yaylası (Highland Plateau)

Kargı Highland Plateau October 2010

Abdullah Yaylası is a highland plateau located about 26 km from the district of Kargı in the north of Çorum, sitting at an elevation of 1,450 metres above sea level. Set in the transition zone between the Black Sea and Central Anatolia, on high ground covered with dense forest, the plateau is an important resting and recreation area for both local people and surrounding settlements.

Location and Geography

The plateau was established on high-altitude land that falls within the district of Kargı. It is surrounded by a dense, mixed forest of Scots pine and black pine. This coniferous forest cover both provides a cool climate during the summer months and forms the principal feature of the region’s natural scenery.

Heading south from the plateau, one reaches the summit of Köse Dağı, which stands at roughly 2,050 metres above sea level. The most distinctive feature of this summit is the wide vantage point it offers, with a 360-degree view of the surroundings. The Köse Dağı massif is one of the major heights in the northern part of Çorum, and together with the surrounding plateaus and forest areas it forms a rich natural landscape.

Recreation Area and Fair

Abdullah Yaylası is one of the principal recreation spots of the Kargı district. The plateau’s infrastructure has been developed and arranged so that visitors can make use of it. The long-standing tradition of transhumance (yaylacılık) in the region has meant that such high areas are used not only for animal husbandry but also as venues for social and cultural gatherings.

Each year, events are held on the plateau as part of the traditionally organised Kargı Fair, with concerts given for those attending the fair and for the public. The fair tradition, seen across many parts of Anatolia, consists of seasonally recurring mass gatherings that serve commercial as well as entertainment and solidarity functions. This event at Abdullah Yaylası is a living example of the region’s highland culture.

Visiting

The plateau’s cool climate and forest cover make it a favourable area for nature walks, picnics and relaxation, especially during the summer months. The climb towards the summit of Köse Dağı is an additional point of attraction for visitors seeking a sweeping view.

For those who wish to see similar natural and cultural assets around Kargı, the nearby Kargı Yaylası page and the History of Kargı page, which describes the general history of the district, are useful references. Those who would like to consider Çorum’s highland culture in a broader context may also explore other district plateaus such as Bayat Yaylası and İskilip Highland Plateaus.

ℹ️ This article has been enriched with additional historical context and editing over the original archive content.