Selemen Plateau is a 1,700-meter-high plateau in Tokat's Reşadiye district where Ottoman Sultan Selim I camped during the Chaldiran Campaign, renowned for its traditional Friday market.
Selemen Plateau stretches along the foot of Aydoğan Hill, situated between the Reşadiye district of Tokat and the border of Ordu Province. Sitting at an altitude of 1,700 meters, it features deep shades of green, sparse woodland, and vast open pastures. Its climate carries a distinct texture, blending humid Black Sea air with the drier feel of Central Anatolian plateaus.
The historical identity of the plateau dates back to 1514. Sultan Selim I (Yavuz Sultan Selim), setting out on the Chaldiran Campaign, halted here with his army and reportedly stayed for nearly three months. The open market established back then to serve the troops and local villagers lives on today: from spring until the first winter snow, a traditional highland market opens every Friday, bringing together vendors and producers from Tokat, Ordu, Samsun, Giresun, and Sivas. Local tradition also notes that Friday prayers were held together on this plateau.
Local lore speaks of ancient rock-cut tombs and traces of older settlements in the area, though these remain oral traditions rather than confirmed archaeological sites. For those seeking a picnic spot, it offers a serene, uncrowded getaway. Compared to Tokat's more commercialized plateaus like Topçam or Çamiçi, Selemen retains a much more untouched, authentic atmosphere.
When to Visit Selemen Plateau?
The plateau is best visited after the winter snow melts, from late May through September. During these months, the pastures are lush green, the air is pleasantly cool, and conditions are ideal for picnics. If visiting the traditional market is your priority, timing is essential: the market operates exclusively on Fridays from spring until the first snowfall. On weekdays, the plateau remains peaceful and mostly quiet.
How to Get to Selemen Plateau?
Travel by highway from central Tokat to the district of Reşadiye, then take the mountain road up to Selemen. The road features narrow and winding sections, so careful driving is required, particularly in rainy weather. Since public transportation options are very limited, traveling by private car or organized tour is the most convenient choice.
How Much Time Should You Spend?
A visit of 2 to 4 hours is generally sufficient. If you visit on a Friday, you might want to stay a bit longer to shop and chat with local vendors at the market. For picnics, setting out before noon to arrive by lunchtime allows you to enjoy the clearest skies and pleasant mountain breeze.
Suggested Itinerary
Starting from Reşadiye town center and heading up the plateau road makes a convenient route. Enjoy the scenic village views along the drive. Upon arriving at the plateau, explore the wide pasture lands and take a short walk toward the foothills of Aydoğan Hill before selecting a nice picnic spot. If visiting on a Friday, make sure to dedicate time to browsing the market area.
Food & Shopping
At the Friday market, local villagers sell fresh dairy products, natural honey, home-grown produce, and handmade crafts. Bringing your own picnic supplies is recommended, as commercial dining options on the plateau are sparse. On your way back down, you can sample regional Tokat cuisine at restaurants in Reşadiye town center.
Things to Keep in Mind
Drive carefully as the mountain access road is narrow and winding. Mountain weather can change quickly at high altitude, so packing a raincoat or warm layer is advisable. Please carry all your trash back with you to help preserve the pristine natural environment.
Best Photo Spots
The slopes of Aydoğan Hill offer great wide-angle panoramic views across the entire plateau. On Fridays, the colorful market stalls provide vibrant, authentic cultural photography opportunities. Arriving early in the morning while misty clouds hover over the pastures creates a magical atmosphere for landscape photos.
This content originates from neresigezilir.com and may not be copied without permission.
FAQ
Updated:
