Yayla and yayla activities in the surrounding of Çakırgöl in the course of functional change

Abstract

Yayla is a temporary settlement in high altitudes throughout Turkey. Appropriateness of natural conditions has facilitated development of yayla activities in coastal mountains of the Eastern Blacksea region. The research area of this study, surrounding of Çakırgöl which is located on Kalkanlı Mountains has been used as an area for yayla activities based on animal breeding for a long time. However, the process of change and transformation in recent years has also affected the conventional yayla activities. Accordingly, it has been observed that touristic functions have begun to develop. This mountainous area, at the altitude of 2200-3000 meters, has the potential opportunities for both summer and winter tourism. On the other hand, in the areas used in summer, recreational activities such as picnic, camping, and jogging are daily carried out. Moreover, some attempts are being made to develop winter tourism in the area. However, a plan which would cover local population, local economy, and natural/cultural environmental features should be prepared. Because the aim should be to integrate local economy with tourism activities. Otherwise, transforming power of tourism would adversely affect the rural activities in the region and natural/cultural environmental deformations would be unavoidable.

In the current study, the Yaylas near Çakırgöl and yayla activities in the course of functional changes were dealt with. The purpose of the study is to explore the characteristics of the yayla activities with its causes and effects. In order to reach this purpose, excursion and observation method was used. The major findings of the study are that the traditional yayla activities have been rapidly losing importance, stock breeding-oriented economy has been put aside, and recreative yayla activities have been developing. In addition, the negative outcomes of the increasing pressure of tourism were observed in the area.