yaylan

Yaylan is a term used in Turkish to describe highland pastures and the places associated with them. The root word yayla refers to a summer pasture on a high plateau or upland, where communities move livestock to graze during warmer months. In some toponymic contexts, yaylan or variants derived from yayla appear in geographic names, signaling a connection to high elevations and pastoral practice.

In rural Turkey and other Turkic-speaking regions, yaylalar are seasonal settlements established on plateaus or high valleys. The seasonal movement, often called yayla göçü, typically takes place from late spring to autumn as herders seek cooler temperatures, abundant forage, and reliable water sources for sheep, goats, and cattle. These areas are characterized by meadow-covered slopes, streams or springs, and a mix of stone and wooden structures used for shelter and storage during the grazing period.

Economic and cultural life on the yayla centers on livestock husbandry and dairy production, with grazing shaping daily routines, seasonal rhythms, and local cuisine. In some places, tourism and ecotourism have grown around traditional yayla landscapes, offering visitors a view of pastoral practices and alpine scenery.

Notable uses of the term appear in Turkish geographic names and local descriptions, reflecting the landscape’s influence on settlement patterns. For specific places named Yaylan or bearing the yayla element, local administrative sources provide the most accurate information. See also yayla, plateau, and alpine meadow.