A Sample to Central Higt Plateau; Bilbilan Higt Plateau

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Yalnızçam mountains, forming the border between Eastern Black Sea division and Erzurum-Kars division, host Bilbilan (Bülbülhanları) High Plateau which is among the most fertile plateaus of turkey. In the region where the forest covers most of the uneven terrain and transhumance activity is an obligatory economical activity, this high plateau with its altitude of 2400 m. Is the centre for dozens of plateaus. Because of the immigration occurred in the last three or four decades, transhumance decreases. Today most of plateaus where almost all rural families visited during summer are somehow abandoned. Also expanding livestock fattening has an important role on the decrease of transhumance activity. However, transhumance activity is still an allure for those living in the region. The people in the region, with an obligation of being directed to animal breeding as a result of deficiency of arable land and low income, use sub-alpin and alpin pastures, which remains green most of the year, as grassy areas for their animal. As a result, input costs are decreased and more income is expected. In spite of decreasing transhumance activities of Artvin and Ardahan, Bilbilan High plateau gets more and more importance. It is also a factor that it is a central one and has commercial function rather than being a ordinary plateau. The plateau is also called as Derehanları as it has many housing and road house facilities. In summer, Bibilan High plateau becomes a grand bazaar especially on Saturdays when many people come there from surrounding palteaus, cities and provinces for livestock trade. The plateau also has the advantage of having the shortest road between Artvin and Ardahan through itself which makes it an active livestock open-market during Saturdays which are called as ‘the week’. In last years the road is being re-constructed. After re-construction of the road finishes, Bibilan high plateau will be more accessible and undoubtedly this will make it more important.

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Bilbilan , Transhumance activity , livestock , plateau settlement , openmarket

eastern geographical review

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eastern geographical review