Sultan Murat Plateau: A Guide to Its History and Nature

Sultan Murat Plateau, set at an altitude of around 2,000 metres in Trabzon's Çaykara district, is one of the widest and most tranquil highland plateaus on the Black Sea coast. For visitors who have seen Uzungöl and wondered "what lies further up?", the answer is very often right here: meadows stretching above the tree line, stone-based highland houses, valleys resting beneath the clouds and a history that runs from the Ottoman era to the First World War. In this guide, we explain why Sultan Murat Plateau deserves a day of its own, which season is best for a visit, what to do on the plateau and how to explore it comfortably together with Uzungöl.

What Makes Sultan Murat Plateau Special?

Meadows above the tree line on the road to Sultan Murat Plateau — Photo: Muhammet Dilmaç, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Most Black Sea highland plateaus are small settlements tucked away inside narrow valleys. Sultan Murat is different: the plateau spreads across a broad, rolling expanse. Here the view doesn't rise upwards; it opens out towards the horizon. The spruce forests stay below, while above you see nothing but pastures, rocky outcrops, mountain flowers and the occasional patch of snow.

Another defining feature of the plateau is that it is still a living highland. In the summer months, families leave their villages and move up to the plateau with their livestock; cows are milked in the morning, butter and cheese are made, and smoke rises from the chimneys in the evening. After highland plateaus packed with tourist facilities, this one feels simpler and more like a "genuine" Black Sea yayla.

• Altitude: Around 2,000 metres; cool even in summer and cold at night.
• Location: The upper reaches of Çaykara district, close to the basin where Uzungöl lies.
• Atmosphere: Far from the crowds, with wide meadows and a historic martyrs' memorial site.

The Plateau's Name and History: From Murad IV to the First World War

According to a widely told local legend, the plateau takes its name from the Ottoman sultan Murad IV. As the story goes, the sultan camped with his army on this high plain during the Revan Campaign in the 1630s, and the plateau has been known as "Sultan Murat" ever since. Although the details of the legend vary from source to source, the name lives on in local memory alongside this story.

The plateau also has a more recent and more poignant story. During the First World War, in 1916, as the Russian army advanced through the Eastern Black Sea region, this high ground became an important line of defence. Ottoman soldiers and local people mounted a resistance here in harsh winter conditions. Today, the plateau is home to a martyrs' cemetery and memorial site that keeps the memory of this period alive. Many visitors, on coming across this site in the middle of the scenery, begin to see the plateau in an entirely different light.

A small tip for history enthusiasts: when you reach the memorial site, pause for a few minutes and take in the surrounding land. Nothing explains better than this view what it meant to fight through the winter months on such a vast, treeless, wind-swept plain.

When to Visit Sultan Murat Plateau

The high altitude makes choosing the right season more important than anything else. On the same day you might be strolling along the Trabzon coast in a T-shirt and need a jacket up on the plateau.

June: The month of greenery and flowers

Most of the snow has melted, and the meadows are at their most vibrant green. As the seasonal migration to the plateau has only just begun, it is a lively but uncrowded time. The remaining patches of snow add a special depth to your photos.

July and August: The easiest time to visit

The weather is at its most stable, the highland houses are full and you get to see plateau life at its liveliest. Highland festivals are also held in the region during the summer months; since dates change every year, check the current calendar before your visit. Afternoon fog is common in these months as well.

September and early October: The photographer's season

The meadows start turning golden, the air becomes crystal clear and the crowds thin out. However, mornings are cold, and as October progresses the chance of the first snowfall increases. If you plan to visit during this period, be sure to check the weather forecast the day before.

Winter: The plateau closes

From November onwards, the plateau is usually covered in snow and its residents head back down to the villages. Visiting Sultan Murat in the winter months isn't practical; for those seeking snow and winter scenery, Uzungöl and Zigana are far better options.

Things to Do on Sultan Murat Plateau: Activities

This isn't an amusement park; it's a place you visit to experience nature itself. Still, there's plenty to fill your day:

Highland walks

The plateau is surrounded by gently sloping hills, making it ideal for one- to two-hour walks that require no technical skills. When you climb one of the hills, you may be treated to a "sea of clouds" view, with mist filling the valleys below. As the trails aren't always marked, it's important to stay with your group and your guide.

Photography

Sweeping wide-angle views, stone highland houses, grazing animals and ever-changing cloud movements make this plateau a truly generous place for photographers. The best light is early in the morning and late in the afternoon; around midday the light is harsh and the chance of fog increases.

Visiting the martyrs' memorial

Stopping by the martyrs' cemetery and memorial site to see the plateau's history first-hand is one of the most meaningful moments of the trip. The site is simple and well maintained; a respectful visit is expected.

Highland produce and picnics

The butter, cheese and dairy products made in the highland houses during summer are the region's most natural souvenirs. Whether there's a family or business selling them varies from year to year; if you find one, we recommend tasting them on the spot. A hot thermos of tea brought along is all you need for a short break on the meadows.

Adventure activities on the Uzungöl side

Those who want to balance the peaceful hours on the plateau with a bit of action can round off the day down at Uzungöl with a boat trip, a walk around the lake or activities such as an ATV safari.

Combined with Uzungöl on the Same Day: A Sample Tour Itinerary

Uzungöl from the highland road: the lake you can visit on the same day as Sultan Murat — Photo: Mahmut Yiğit (Neyzen 61), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5

For a visitor setting out from Trabzon city centre, Sultan Murat Plateau on its own is a long journey, which is why most people combine it with Uzungöl on the same day. Driving on narrow and partly gravel highland roads, hunting for parking and finding your way when the fog rolls in can be exhausting for those unfamiliar with the region. The most comfortable way to go is with our tour departing from Trabzon.

Our group programme, the Uzungöl Tour, is designed to explore the lake and its surroundings with a guide. For families and groups of friends who would also like to add Sultan Murat Plateau to the itinerary, the best option is a private tour with a vehicle exclusively for your family or group. A sample private tour day could look like this:

• Morning: Pick-up from your hotel, then a drive along the Sürmene–Of coastline and through the Solaklı Valley towards Çaykara.
• Late morning: A walk around Uzungöl and a photo stop; the morning hours are when the lake is at its calmest.
• Midday: Lunch at Uzungöl; local fish and kuymak are the most popular choices.
• Afternoon: Drive up to the plateau, a walk on the meadows, a visit to the martyrs' memorial and photography.
• Late afternoon: Return journey before the fog sets in and darkness falls, with drop-off at your hotel in the evening.

On a private tour, timings are kept flexible to suit you; families with children may want more breaks, while photographers may prefer a later return. You can find a detailed list of what to see around Uzungöl in our article 7 Places to Visit in Uzungöl.

Who Is It For? Common Mistakes and Local Tips

Sultan Murat Plateau is perfect for anyone looking to escape the crowds, lovers of photography and nature walks, history enthusiasts and everyone who wants to see a "non-touristy" highland plateau. Since the walks are easy, families with children can explore comfortably too. Due to the high altitude, visitors with heart or respiratory conditions are advised to consult their doctor and move at a slow pace.

Common mistakes

• Dressing for the weather on the coast: Even if it's mild in Trabzon, temperatures drop noticeably on the plateau. Be sure to bring a jacket or fleece, a raincoat and closed-toe shoes.
• Starting the day late: Fog is very likely in the afternoon. To enjoy a clear view, you need to be on the plateau as early as possible.
• Treating the plateau as a "half-hour stop": Because it spreads across a wide area, a quick stop won't let you soak up its atmosphere. Allow at least two to three hours.
• Not carrying cash: It can be hard to find a place that accepts cards on the plateau; if you'd like to buy highland produce, keep some cash on hand.

Local tips

• Don't approach herds of animals or shepherd dogs; the dogs are usually there to protect the flock.
• The highland houses are families' summer homes; asking permission before taking photos is both courteous and the nicest way to strike up a conversation.
• Phone signal can be weak in places; make sure you have an offline map and your guide's number with you.

If you'd like to compare it with other Black Sea highland plateaus, our Black Sea Highland Plateaus Guide summarises which plateau to visit in which season. If you're looking for a plateau closer to Trabzon and easier to reach, the Hıdırnebi Tour is also a great alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tours to Sultan Murat Plateau?

Yes. Sümela Turizm's Uzungöl group tour departing from Trabzon covers the lake and its surroundings; for those who would also like to see Sultan Murat Plateau, private tours with a vehicle exclusively for your family or group are arranged. The programme, route and timings are planned according to your request.

What time does the tour start in the morning, and how long does it last?

Because of the distance, a day combining Uzungöl and Sultan Murat starts early in the morning and ends in the evening. The exact pick-up time is confirmed at the time of booking, depending on where you're staying and the programme you choose.

What's included in the tour price?

Included services (transport, guiding, insurance, meals, etc.) vary depending on the type of tour. You can get up-to-date pricing and details on what's covered from the tour page or via our WhatsApp line.

In which months can you visit the plateau?

The best time is from June to September. You can also go in early October if the weather allows; visits are not recommended in the winter months, as the plateau is covered in snow.

How can I make a booking?

You can book online via the tour page, or get information by messaging our WhatsApp line at 0532 170 91 54 with your date, number of people and accommodation.

Conclusion

Sultan Murat Plateau is an ideal stop for anyone in Trabzon who wants to step off the busy routes and experience sweeping highland scenery, a living highland culture and a rich history all in one day. Choose the right season and arrive on the plateau early, and you'll witness one of the most breathtaking views on the Black Sea coast. To explore it comfortably together with Uzungöl, without worrying about roads, parking or fog, choose our private tour departing from Trabzon or other day trips such as the Sümela Tour.