yayla

Yayla is a term used in Turkish and other Turkic languages for a highland pasture or upland plateau used for summer grazing. In Turkey, yaylas are located in mountain regions such as the Pontic and Taurus ranges and in other highland areas across the wider Turkic world, including the Caucasus, Central Asia, and parts of Iran. The landscape typically comprises alpine meadows, pine forests, and clear streams, often with stone shepherds’ huts or temporary shelters. Elevations usually range from around 1,500 to 2,800 meters, depending on local climate and geography.

Traditionally, yayla denotes a seasonal movement of livestock from lower winter ranges to higher summer pastures. This cycle, known as yayla göçü, is practiced by shepherds and rural families who move herds of sheep, goats, or cattle to the highlands for several weeks or months, staying in temporary dwellings and continuing agricultural routines.

In modern times, many yaylalar remain active pastoral sites, while others have become centers of rural tourism and alpine recreation. Some are preserved as cultural heritage sites, with traditional huts, communal gatherings, and seasonal festivals. The term also applies to permanent high-elevation settlements in some regions.

Yayla embodies the historical relationship between people and mountain ecosystems, reflecting adaptable pastoral strategies, social organization, and regional identities within the broader landscape of Turkic-speaking communities.