Erikbeli Plateau

Erikbeli Plateau, located in the border area between the provinces of Gümüşhane and Trabzon, is among the significant plateaus in the Eastern Black Sea Region in terms of local transportation and plateau tourism. Due to its geographical position and regional transport connections, it functions as a transitional area linking neighboring plateaus.

Erikbeli Plateau is situated within the boundaries of Kürtün district in Gümüşhane Province, adjacent to Trabzon Province. It lies alongside other important plateaus in the region, namely Güvende Plateau and Kadırga Plateau, and maintains interaction with them via road connections. Its location along the Gümüşhane-Trabzon transit route makes it an integral part of the cultural and seasonal mobility between the two provinces.

The plateau is surrounded by forested areas, steep slopes, and open flatlands. Its topographical structure is well suited for pastoral activities and is used during the summer months for short-term accommodation, livestock grazing, and social gatherings.

^{View from Erikbeli Plateau (}Cultural Inventory⁾

Access to Erikbeli Plateau is provided via Kürtün district in Gümüşhane Province, and road construction and improvement projects are monitored by the provincial governorship. Seasonal maintenance and expansion works are carried out particularly on the Erikbeli-Güvende connecting route and other paths leading to nearby plateaus. Although the plateau road has a stabilized surface, infrastructure adjustments have been made to enable vehicle access.

There are currently no permanent residential structures on the plateau; only temporary constructions and seasonal arrangements are present. Projects led by the Gümüşhane Provincial Special Administration and related public institutions aim to develop social infrastructure to support plateau tourism in the region. Field inspections conducted by the governorship have emphasized the potential of Erikbeli Plateau as a tourism center.

Erikbeli Plateau plays a role in the social life of the local population through periodically organized festivals and communal events. During these activities, public institutions also conduct awareness campaigns. In this context, security and social awareness initiatives are supported by the General Command of the Gendarmerie. The plateau festivals are significant both for preserving traditional values and for enhancing seasonal population mobility in the region during summer months.