Çağırankaya Plateau is a high-altitude plateau located in the Black Sea Region of Turkey, within the boundaries of the Çamlıhemşin district in Rize province. Situated about 40 kilometers south of the district center, the plateau lies at an elevation of approximately 2,300 meters above sea level. Located near the eastern extensions of the Kaçkar Mountains range, Çağırankaya stands out for its natural beauty despite its challenging environmental conditions.
The plateau lies on a broad ridge surrounded by steep slopes. In this regard, it is one of the region’s prominent high plateaus and offers a rich and cohesive landscape that includes surrounding valleys, streams, and forested hillsides.
Çağırankaya Plateau (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Climate, Natural Texture, and Ecosystem
Çağırankaya Plateau is subject to the typical high-mountain Black Sea climate. Summers are short, cool, and often foggy, while winters are harsh and long. These climatic conditions shape the plateau’s unique natural ecosystem. In spring, as the snow melts, the area experiences a brief but vivid blooming period.
The surroundings are dominated by alpine meadows, endemic mountain flowers, and rocky terrain. Since the plateau is above the tree line, dense forests are not found. Wildlife in the region is rich, with species such as lynx, roe deer, and wild goats having been observed. It is also an important stopover point for birdwatchers.
Çağırankaya Plateau (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Cultural Structure and the Plateau Tradition
Çağırankaya Plateau has served for centuries as a seasonal settlement area for local people during the summer months. The traditional transhumance culture is still actively practiced. Families from Çamlıhemşin and nearby villages stay in the plateau during the summer for livestock grazing and small-scale agriculture.
The stone and wooden structures on the plateau are original examples of traditional Black Sea plateau architecture. These buildings not only adapt to the harsh climate but also reflect the lifestyle of the local communities. The name "Çağırankaya" (literally "Echoing Rock") is believed to come from the way sounds echo across its vast open spaces.
Çağırankaya Festival
The plateau is known for the annual Çağırankaya Plateau Festival, held during the summer months, especially in the last week of July. These festivities attract both local residents and visitors from surrounding provinces. The festival events include:
- Traditional horon (folk dance) performances
- Live music with tulum (bagpipe) and kemençe (fiddle)
- Local food offerings (cabbage rolls, muhlama, cornbread)
- Exhibition of handcrafted items
- Nature hikes around the plateau
These festivals play a significant role in preserving and promoting the local culture.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Access to Çağırankaya Plateau is possible via off-road vehicles from the center of Çamlıhemşin. While the road is open in summer, the final sections are often unpaved or gravel. During the winter, the road becomes completely inaccessible, and only footpaths known by locals may be used.
There is no fixed electricity or internet infrastructure on the plateau. Mobile phone signal is very weak or completely absent. This makes the area especially attractive to those seeking a digital detox and a deeper connection with nature. Accommodation is available either in existing yayla houses or via tent camping.
Ecotourism and Natural Beauty
Çağırankaya Plateau has recently gained attention for its potential in nature tourism. The plateau offers wide and peaceful areas ideal for hiking, photography, camping, and botanical observation. Sunrise and the light effects created by the fog offer striking visual scenes for photographers.
Some mountaineering routes around the Kaçkar Mountains pass through Çağırankaya. From the highest point of the plateau, one can enjoy panoramic views of the Kaçkar range and the Çamlıhemşin Valley looking eastward.
Conservation and Sustainability
To protect the plateau’s pristine nature, restrictions on construction and increased environmental monitoring during festival times are recommended. Local initiatives have started to promote environmentally friendly tourism.
Awareness campaigns are conducted to encourage visitors not to leave waste, to limit motor vehicle use, and to respect traditional architectural styles. The preservation of Çağırankaya Plateau’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations depends on the effectiveness of such measures.
