Selemen Plateau is located at an altitude of 1700 meters in Tokat's Reşadiye district, known as the plateau where Yavuz Sultan Selim stayed during his Çaldıran Campaign, and for its traditional market held every Friday.
Selemen Plateau stretches between Tokat's Reşadiye district and the Ordu border, at the foothills of Aydoğan Hill. The altitude is 1700 meters. This is an area where green appears in dark tones, with limited trees but mostly covered with open pastures. It has a different texture from the dry plateaus of Central Anatolia, influenced by the humid air of the Black Sea.
The historical identity of the plateau dates back to 1514. Yavuz Sultan Selim, on his Çaldıran Campaign, stopped here with his army and, according to legend, stayed for about 3 months. The market tradition established then to meet the needs of soldiers and local people still continues: from spring until the first snowfall, a plateau market is set up every Friday, where producers from Tokat, Ordu, Samsun, Giresun, and Sivas sell their products. It is also reported that Friday prayers are performed on this plateau.
There are local narratives about rock tombs and traces of ancient settlements in the region. These are not based on definitive archaeological data but are more in the nature of oral tradition. It is a quiet, uncrowded alternative for those who want to picnic. It is less developed than Tokat's more well-known Topçam or Çamiçi plateaus.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Tokat historical places, Topçam Plateau.
Guide's Note
When to Visit Selemen Plateau?
The plateau is considered open to visitors from late May until September, after the snow melts. During these months, the pastures are green, the weather is cool, and it's suitable for picnicking. If seeing the plateau market is important, the day choice is critical: the market is only set up on Fridays, from spring until the first snowfall. On other weekdays, the plateau remains quiet, almost empty.
How to Get to Selemen Plateau?
From Tokat city center, reach Reşadiye district by road, then take the plateau road to ascend to Selemen. There are winding and narrow sections along the road, requiring careful driving, especially in rainy weather. Since public transport is limited, it is more practical to prefer a private car or an organized tour.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
2-4 hours are sufficient at the plateau. If you happen to visit on a market day, you can extend your time a bit by chatting with producers and shopping. If you plan to picnic, leaving before noon and arriving at the area around midday will allow you to catch the clearest and coolest hours.
Suggested Itinerary
Starting from Reşadiye town center and heading up the plateau road is a logical start. You can see village views along the way. Upon arriving at the plateau, first explore the general area and take a short walk towards the foothills of Aydoğan Hill, then choose a suitable spot for a picnic. If you go on a Friday, include the market area in your itinerary.
What to Eat, What to Buy?
At the plateau market, dairy products, honey, vegetables, and handicrafts brought by local villagers are sold. Bringing your own picnic supplies is the most practical way; the number of businesses on the plateau is limited. When descending to Reşadiye, you can try local dishes at restaurants in the town center.
Things to Pay Attention To
Be careful when driving as the road is narrow and winding. Weather conditions can change rapidly at high altitudes, so carrying a raincoat or warm clothing is useful. Taking your trash with you helps preserve the natural state of the area.
Photo Spots
A wide-angle view of the plateau can be captured from the foothills of Aydoğan Hill. The stalls set up on market day also offer opportunities for colorful and authentic shots. Photos taken early in the morning, before the fog dissipates, capture a different atmosphere.
FAQ
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