Elevit Plateau is a high-altitude settlement located in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye, within the borders of Yukarı Kavron village in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize province. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters, the plateau lies at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains, above the Fırtına River basin. Elevit retains the traces of traditional highland life and holds significant importance among the Black Sea plateaus due to its natural landscape, traditional architecture, cultural lifestyle, and biological diversity.
Elevit Plateau( AA)
Geographical Location and Geomorphological Structure
Positioned on the northern slopes of the Kaçkar Mountains within the Eastern Black Sea mountain range, Elevit Plateau is located in the upper reaches of the Fırtına Valley, about 50 kilometers from the Çamlıhemşin district center. Access to the plateau is provided via stabilized roads that are open during the summer months. In recent years, improvements have been made to these roads due to increased tourist interest. However, during the winter months, the roads are generally closed due to snow. The plateau is surrounded by geomorphological features characteristic of high mountain geography, including glacial valleys, moraines, alpine meadows, deep-cut valleys, and waterfalls. This terrain makes the region attractive for nature tourism and also shapes local agricultural and livestock activities.
Climate and Ecosystem
Elevit Plateau exhibits the characteristics of a humid continental mountain climate. Summers are cool and humid, while winters are quite cold and snowy. These climatic conditions have led to the formation of an alpine meadow ecosystem on the plateau. The region boasts rich vegetation, including subalpine meadows, herbaceous plants above the forest line, wild strawberries, blackberries, rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.), endemic mountain flowers, and various lichen species. The area also hosts significant biodiversity in terms of wildlife, with occasional sightings of bears, wolves, lynxes, and wild goats.
Settlement Pattern and Highland Culture
Elevit Plateau is a typical example of the Black Sea highland tradition. Traditionally used by nomadic herders between June and September, the plateau remains largely uninhabited during the winter months. The houses on the plateau are generally wooden frame structures, one or two stories high, built on stone foundations with steep roofs. This settlement pattern is established on terraced parcels adapted to the natural slope. Each household typically comprises multiple structures, including a residence, a hayloft, and an animal shelter, forming small units.
Socio-Cultural Life
The traditional lifestyle on the plateau is largely based on livestock farming. The production of dairy products (cheese, butter, curd), small-scale agricultural activities, and free-range grazing are the main sources of livelihood.
Highland festivals held during the summer months, accompanied by the tulum (a traditional bagpipe) and horon dances, along with kemençe performances and local cuisine, sustain the cultural fabric of the plateau. The Elevit Festivals attract participants from neighboring villages and cities, contributing to the region's unique identity.
Tourism and Conservation
Since the 1990s, the development of eco-tourism activities has accelerated the plateau's exposure to the outside world. Activities such as trekking, camping, bird watching, and flora studies are commonly conducted on the plateau. However, the increasing tourist influx necessitates the preservation of traditional structures and the natural environment.
Elevit Plateau is located in close proximity to the Kaçkar Mountains National Park, which imposes certain environmental restrictions and conservation measures. Issues such as illegal construction, lack of infrastructure, and waste management remain challenges that need to be addressed in the context of sustainability.
Local Cuisine and Handicrafts
The traditional highland cuisine includes regional specialties such as corn bread, kuymak, muhlama, highland soup, yogurt-based herb dishes, and roasted corn with milk.
Additionally, traditional handicrafts like hand-woven rugs, felt products, and wood carvings are occasionally offered for sale during festivals.
Presence in Literature and Art
Elevit Plateau has found its place in local folk tales, as well as in nature photography, documentaries, and literature. The name "Elevit" appears in poems and folk songs depicting the Black Sea culture. The plateau's landscapes have also been featured in photo series and visual media productions portraying Rize.
Current Status and Threats
The increasing pressure of construction poses a risk of replacing traditional highland architecture with concrete structures. Furthermore, infrastructure deficiencies (such as sewage systems and waste collection) threaten the natural character of the region. In this context, projects aimed at raising awareness among both public authorities and local communities are being developed to ensure the preservation of Elevit Plateau.
