The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has opened 50 of Turkey’s caves to tourists as part of the “Cave Tourism Project.”
In an effort to diversify tourism in Turkey, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has opened 50 of the nation's over 20,000 caves to visitors. The 'Cave Tourism Project' was initiated in an effort to draw in tourism from the coast to the nation's internal regions to influence development while also protecting natural and cultural values.
From a tourism perspective, Turkey's caves offer a significant potential and it is considered there may be up to 20,000 caves with appropriate rock formations for access. Out of these, 1,500 have been inspected by the General Directorate of Mineral research and Exploration as well as a number of other foundations, clubs, communities and establishments involved with caving. After the research conducted, it has been determined that the Pınarözü cave in Isparta, which spans over 15 kilometers in length, is officially 'Turkey's longest cave' while the Peynirlikönü Cave in Mersin is classified as 'Turkey's deepest cave' with a depth of 1,429 meters.
Up until now, 50 caves have been officially opened up to visitors. While everyone is allowed to visit 31 of these specified caves, the remaining 12 require equipment and a guide for caving. Access to seven of these caves is only allowed for professionals.
The caves that have been opened up for tourism in Turkey are as follows: - Buzluk Cave (Ağrı)
- Damlataş Cave (Antalya)
- Dim Cave (Antalya)
- Karain Cave (Antalya)
- Yalandünya Cave (Antalya)
- Zeytintaşı Cave (Antalya)
- Gürcüoluk Cave (Bartın)
- İnsuyu Cave (Burdur)
- Oylat Cave (Bursa)
- Tuz Cave (Çankırı)
'- The Altınbeşik Cave in Antalya has the world's third and Turkey's largest underwater lake. The length of the cave, according to research that has been conducted thus far, spans 2,200 meters and it contains a 125 meter-long lake at its entrance. The lake's depth reaches 15 meters in places. There is a natural bridge formation of rocks in the center of the lake. At the end of the lake, there is a 44 meter-high travertine. Due to the heavy inflow of water in the winter and spring months, this cave is best visited in the summer and autumn months.
- Isparta's Pınarözü Cave is considered up until now, to be Turkey's longest cave at 16 kilometers, while also carries the title of having the coldest water which spans between four and five degrees Celsius. The lengthy culverts and waterfalls within the cave make it a difficult one to traverse.
- The Gürlevik Cave in Karaman is a hydraulically active cave. There is a large stream that flows within. According to the research conducted on the 2,500 meter cave, there are areas which consist of two levels connected to one another.
- Konya's Sakaltıtan Cave is vertical with a total depth of 303 meters.
- The Susuz Güvercinlik Cave in Konya is a horizontal cave with water. With a height of 1,160 meters and a total length of 1,351 meters the deepest portion is 33 meters. The large-scale cave contains a number of interesting travertines, including stalactites, stalagmites and columns as well as water and lakes, making it an extremely appealing and beautiful site. With further efforts this cave may eventually be opened up to tourists.
- The Pınarbaşı Cave in Konya is a horizontal cave developed on a fault line of cretaceous limestone. There is a large carstic source in the cave as well as very difficult culverts and lakes. Therefore, it is a very difficult to access cave. It also is very rich in dripstone.
- The Kızılelma Cave in Zonguldak is a total 6,630 meters long and 114 meters deep. This cave has side entries and a main gallery which consist of a wide variety of stalactites. There are also bats located in the fossil section near the entrance of the cave.
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