19 Volcanic Landforms Detected in Cappadocia

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Research conducted in Cappadocia, one of Türkiye's major tourism centers, has identified 19 volcanic landforms (calderas). Prof. Dr. Mutluhan Akın, Vice Rector of Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University (NEVÜ) and Director of the Cappadocia Geological Heritage and Rock-Carved Structures Application and Research Center, stated that lava flows are clearly visible in various parts of Nevşehir and that calderas formed by land collapse following volcanic eruptions have been discovered.

Akın noted that 19 calderas had been identified during research in Cappadocia, adding that more may exist and that some may have become less distinct over time. Studies of fairy chimneys, natural rocks, and volcanic vents revealed that the formation ages of these landforms are similar.

Throughout history, scientists from Turkey and abroad have conducted various studies on the geological layers and rocks in Cappadocia and published numerous articles based on this data. Akın stated that these studies will shed light on Cappadocia's history. He noted that they have provided information about this research to professional tour guides in the region through seminars they have organized, emphasizing the importance of informing tourists about Cappadocia's formation.

Akın, reminding that NEVÜ was declared a specialized university in "Natural and Cultural Heritage Tourism" by the Council of Higher Education in 2021, stated that Cappadocia is not the product of Mount Erciyes, Mount Hasan, or Melendiz, but rather the product of volcanic materials emanating from its own volcanic vents. He explained that the rocks in Cappadocia are composed of "old volcanic" materials called pyroclastic rocks, which rise to the surface as rock and ash and petrify, forming soft rocks.

Akın emphasized that technological advances in recent years have made it easier to obtain much data, stating that the ignimbrites found in Cappadocia's fairy chimneys are generally between 5 and 9 million years old. This data clearly demonstrates that Cappadocia's volcanic rocks emerged from volcanic vents within the region.

Özan Onur, President of the Nevşehir Tourist Guides Chamber (NERO), stated that they have provided professional tour guides with information about the volcanic peaks and calderas in the region and plan to organize special tours to these areas during the next tourism season. Hüseyin Özdemir, a resident of Suvermez village, expressed his pleasure at welcoming tourists who wish to see the volcanic ruins. Attila Çataltepe, a high school teacher in the Acıgöl district, stated that opening the calderas to tourism would significantly contribute to the promotion and development of the region.

To learn more about these amazing discoveries and Cappadocia's volcanic past, you can browse the studies and publications of Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University.

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