karbokatyon

Karbokatyon is a term that historically designates a settlement located within the high plateau region of the Eastern Anatolian highlands of Turkey. The name is derived from a combination of Turkic roots, with “karbo” meaning “protected” or “sheltered” and “katyon” a suffix denoting a community or encampment. The earliest recorded mention of the settlement appears in Ottoman administrative records from the early 18th century, where it is listed as a small but strategically situated village at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters above sea level.

The settlement is notable for its adaptation to harsh climatic conditions, employing traditional upland agriculture and transhumant pastoralism. Local histories indicate that Karbokatyon served as a seasonal pasture for nomadic tribes during the summer months, and its location made it a logistics point for the movement of goods between the interior provinces and coastal trade routes. In the 19th century, the village became an important stop along a caravan route that linked the Anatolian heartland to the Black Sea ports, contributing to its modest economic growth.

Archaeological surveys in the mid-20th century uncovered remnants of a stone watchtower and irrigation channels that attest to medieval settlement activity. These remains are interpreted as part of a broader network of fortified villages in the region, intended to defend against both wildlife and adversarial incursions. In the contemporary period, Karbokatyon has experienced depopulation due to urban migration trends, yet an increasing number of former residents maintain seasonal homes there, preserving traditional craft practices and seasonal agricultural plots.

The site has attracted interest from academic researchers in fields such as anthropology, geography, and environmental studies. Studies have examined the sustainable use of high‑altitude ecosystems, the maintenance of local biodiversity, and the continuity of cultural heritage in the face of demographic change. References to the settlement can be found in various gazetteers, Ottoman archival sources, and recent ethnographic monographs that focus on the Anatolian highlands.