Kümbet Plateau (Giresun)

Kümbet Yaylası is located within the boundaries of Giresun province in Türkiye’s Eastern Black Sea Region. It lies at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. Geographically, it is situated southwest of Giresun city center, within the boundaries of the Dereli district. Although situated in the Black Sea climate zone, the high altitude results in cool and humid conditions during summer months and cold, snowy conditions during winter.

Access to Kümbet Yaylası is provided via road. It is located approximately 60 kilometers from Giresun city center, and the access route is asphalted. The nearest airport is Ordu-Giresun Airport, at a distance of about 85 kilometers.

The area surrounding the plateau is enclosed by steep slopes, deep valleys, and forested regions. The vegetation cover of the region varies seasonally.

The settlement pattern on Kümbet Yaylası features a combination of traditional and modern structures. Traditional buildings consist of stone-based, typically two-story houses, with the ground floor used as animal shelter and the upper floor as living quarters. Modern structures are generally built as two or three-story buildings. In the central marketplace area, some buildings have commercial uses on the ground floor and residential use on the upper floors. Public buildings include a health center, PTT office, primary school, gendarmerie station, and mosque.

^{Kümbet Yaylası (}Anadolu Agency⁾

Throughout history, Kümbet Yaylası has been used during summer months in various periods. The plateau festivals, which began in 1988 at Salon Çayırı recreational area, have been held annually since 1990 under the name “Kümbet Yayla Şenlikleri” at the Aymaç location. These events take place every year during the second week of July and attract visitors from different regions.

The number and capacity of accommodation facilities on the plateau have increased over time. In 1999–2000, there were approximately six accommodation facilities with a total capacity of 50 beds. Additionally, the Regional Directorate of Forestry has provided various social amenities at the Salon Çayırı recreational area, including rest houses, picnic areas, and rain shelters.

An increase in the number of visitors staying on the plateau has been observed. According to interview results, the majority of these visitors choose the plateau for short-term nature-based relaxation and recreation. Approximately 95 percent of visitors are domestic tourists, a significant portion of whom originate from Giresun. Foreign tourists have been identified as coming primarily from countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Visitors’ interest in local products has been observed to have an impact on the regional economy. Accommodation and food and beverage activities are believed to have contributed to increased employment opportunities through the growth in the number of commercial enterprises. Additionally, the rise in the number of commercial vehicles operating regularly between Giresun, Dereli, and Kümbet supports economic activity in the region.