Delmece Yaylası

Delmece Yaylası is a high plateau located within the boundaries of the village of Teşvikiye in the Çınarcık district of Yalova province in Türkiye. This plateau is both a natural and cultural heritage site, characterized by its forested natural setting, expansive meadows, and the tradition of transhumance practiced during the summer months.

Delmece Yaylası lies in the foothills of the Samanlı Mountains, southeast of the city center of Yalova. The plateau’s elevation ranges between approximately 700 and 1000 meters. Access is possible via roads that begin in Teşvikiye village; some sections are asphalted while others are unpaved dirt roads. During summer months, some visitors prefer to hike to the plateau. The hiking trails start in Teşvikiye, pass by the Erikli Waterfall, and lead to Delmece Yaylası.

Delmece Yaylası covers an extensive meadow area of approximately 400 dunams. The terrain is generally flat with minimal slope, making it suitable for settlement and agriculture. The plateau contains 60 traditional wooden structures and 20 stone structures. These buildings are not occupied year-round but only during specific seasons. There is no permanent population on the plateau, and the structures are scattered at some distance from one another.

^{Delmece Yaylası} (Kültürportalı)

Thanks to its moist and cool climate, Delmece Yaylası supports a rich forest ecosystem. Beech, oak, hornbeam, chestnut, and pine trees are common on the plateau. Beneath the forest canopy, ferns, wild violets, wild mint, and various forest flowers thrive.

Within the plateau’s boundaries, natural water sources such as Şifalı Su and Dipsiz Göl can be found. These water sources sustain plant and animal life. It is also known that these waters are drinkable and used by visitors to the plateau.

Delmece Yaylası has long been used by local villagers during summer months for grazing livestock. This tradition continues to some extent today. During summer, some families reside on the plateau with their animals. The wooden structures serve as shelters and storage spaces for their belongings. Delmece Yaylası is one of the rare places in the Marmara Region where the culture of transhumance is still practiced.

In recent years, Delmece Yaylası has become an increasingly popular destination for those seeking to spend time in nature. Activities such as camping, hiking, cycling, photography, and simply relaxing in the natural environment are common. Most visitors come for day trips, but some stay for several days during summer, setting up tents on the plateau.

There are no accommodation facilities on the plateau. Limited infrastructure—including toilets, waste bins, and clean water—necessitates careful and controlled use of the area.

^{Delmece Yaylası} (Kültürportalı)

Delmece Yaylası features a striking landscape of expansive meadows, surrounding forests, and open skies. In photographs, the plateau houses, tented areas, and natural features such as Dipsiz Göl often take center stage. These characteristics highlight the plateau’s value as a site of documentary and visual significance.

Delmece Yaylası currently has no special protected status. Increasing numbers of visitors, the use of motorized vehicles, and litter left behind threaten the plateau’s natural balance. Additionally, the neglect of the historic plateau structures risks the erosion of its cultural heritage.

Therefore, the natural and cultural integrity of Delmece Yaylası must be preserved through sustainable use regulations and careful management.