Perşembe Plateau is a significant natural and touristic area located in the Aybastı district of Ordu province, in Türkiye’s Black Sea Region. Situated approximately 1500 meters above sea level, this plateau is notable for its wide green meadows, cool climate, and famous meanders. Especially during the summer months, it becomes a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.
History
The history of Perşembe Plateau dates back to the early settlements in the region. It is known that the plateau was used as a summer pasture (yaylak) especially by Turkmen tribes from the Middle Ages onwards, and it retained its importance during the Ottoman period. From the 20th century onward, with modernization, various social and cultural activities began to be organized on the plateau.
Perşembe Plateau, Ordu, Türkiye. (Source: EYÜP BELEN)
Location and Transportation
Perşembe Plateau is located about 100 kilometers from the center of Ordu province, in the northwest of the Aybastı district. Transportation is provided via highways coming from Ordu and Samsun.
Natural Beauty and Meanders
Perşembe Plateau is particularly famous for its natural meanders. These rare meanders, which are found in very few places around the world, give the plateau a unique geographical character. These winding water paths among the greenery create a visual feast and attract photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Meander, Perşembe Plateau, Ordu.
Cultural and Historical Structures
In addition to its natural beauty, Perşembe Plateau also draws attention with its historical structures. There are tombs (kümbet), old graves, and religious buildings dating back to the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. These structures reinforce the historical identity of the plateau.
Emir Kümbet Tomb and Its Legend
The Emir Kümbet Tomb was built in memory of Commander Emir Kümbet, who was martyred in a battle in 1105 between the army of Danishmend Gazi and the Empire of Trebizond. This battle took place on the Perşembe Plateau in Aybastı, where the forces of Danishmend Gazi fought valiantly against a numerically superior enemy.
In the battle, 6,000 soldiers were martyred, and Danishmend Gazi, though wounded, returned to Niksar, where he passed away shortly after. The tomb is located in the battlefield area alongside the graves of the martyred soldiers and is the site of annual commemorative ceremonies.
This tomb symbolizes the advance of the Danishmends into the Black Sea region and their first entry into the lands of Ordu.
Emir Kümbet Tomb – Aybastı, Ordu.
Perşembe Plateau Festivals
The traditional Perşembe Plateau Festivals, held annually on the plateau, are among the region’s most important events. Usually organized in July, these festivals include folk dances, wrestling matches, concerts, and various cultural activities.
The Importance of Perşembe Plateau
The plateau is part of a larger ecosystem that supports endemic plant species, clean water resources, and expansive pastures. These environmental qualities make it suitable for both sustainable agriculture and traditional livestock grazing, practices that continue to sustain the rural population during the summer months.
In terms of cultural and economic importance, Perşembe Plateau is one of the few places where transhumance (seasonal migration of people with their livestock) is still actively practiced. This living tradition plays a role in preserving intangible cultural heritage, including local music, dance, dress, and cuisine, which are often showcased during seasonal festivals held on the plateau.
The plateau also holds a strategic role in the growth of highland and ecotourism in the Black Sea region. With its unspoiled natural beauty, panoramic landscapes, and cool summer climate, it attracts both domestic and international tourists. Activities such as hiking, camping, photography, and cultural excursions are becoming increasingly popular. Furthermore, its unique land formations—such as the naturally curved meadows and crater-like depressions—have sparked interest among geologists and nature observers alike.
As a multifunctional landscape, Perşembe Plateau represents a balance between traditional rural life, natural conservation, and sustainable tourism development. Its role in regional planning is increasingly recognized in the context of environmental preservation, cultural continuity, and economic diversification.
