Delmece Yaylası
Delmece Yaylası is a high plateau located within the boundaries of the Teşvikiye village in the Çınarcık district of Yalova province, Türkiye. This plateau is both a natural and cultural heritage site, characterized by its forested natural setting, expansive meadows, and the tradition of transhumance practiced during the summer months.
Location and Access
Delmece Yaylası lies southeast of the center of Yalova province, at the foothills of the Samanlı Mountains. The plateau’s elevation ranges approximately between 700 and 1000 meters. Access to the plateau is via roads that begin in Teşvikiye village; part of these roads are asphalted, while others are dirt tracks. During summer months, some visitors prefer to hike to the plateau. The hiking trails start in Teşvikiye and pass through the Erikli Waterfall before reaching Delmece Yaylası.
Physical Structure
Delmece Yaylası spans an expansive meadow area of approximately 400 dunams. The terrain is generally flat with minimal slope, making it suitable for settlement and agriculture. The plateau contains 60 traditional wooden structures and 20 stone structures. These buildings are not occupied year-round but are used only during specific seasons. There is no permanent population on the plateau, and the structures are scattered at some distance from one another.
Delmece Yaylası (Culture Portal)
Flora and Natural Life
Due to its moist and cool climate, Delmece Yaylası supports a rich forest ecosystem. Beech, oak, hornbeam, chestnut, and pine trees are common on the plateau. Beneath the forest canopy, ferns, edelweiss, wild mint, and various forest flowers thrive.
Within the plateau’s boundaries, natural water sources such as Şifalı Su and Dipsiz Göl are found. These water sources support plant and animal life. It is also known that these waters are potable and used by visitors to the plateau.
The Transhumance Tradition
Delmece Yaylası has historically been used by villagers during summer months for grazing livestock. This tradition continues to some extent today. During summer, some families reside on the plateau with their animals. The wooden structures are used by these families for shelter and storage of belongings. Delmece Yaylası is one of the rare places in the Marmara Region where the transhumance culture is still maintained.
Nature Activities and Visits
In recent years, Delmece Yaylası has become an increasingly popular destination for people seeking to spend time in nature. Activities such as camping, hiking, cycling, photography, and relaxation in the natural environment are commonly practiced. While most visitors come for day trips, some stay for several days during summer, setting up tents on the plateau.
No accommodation facilities are available on the plateau. Limited infrastructure, including insufficient toilets, waste bins, and clean water supplies, necessitates careful and controlled use of the area.
Delmece Yaylası (Culture Portal)
Scenery and Natural Beauty
Delmece Yaylası features a striking landscape of expansive meadows, surrounding forests, and open skies. In photographs, the plateau houses, tented areas, and natural elements such as Dipsiz Göl are prominently visible. These characteristics highlight the plateau’s value as a site of documentary and visual significance.
Need for Protection
Delmece Yaylası currently has no special protected status. Increasing numbers of visitors, the use of motorized vehicles, and litter left in the environment threaten the plateau’s natural balance. Additionally, the neglect of historic plateau structures risks the erosion of its cultural values.
Therefore, the preservation of Delmece Yaylası’s natural and cultural structure requires planning for sustainable use and active monitoring and control.
