New Cave Discovery in Antalya Prompts Mapping Study Amid Quarrying Concerns

A significant new cave discovery near Antalya, Turkey, has prompted the Turkish Caving Federation to initiate a mapping study. The initial descent revealed a 14-meter vertical drop, leading into a space adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and extensive galleries that continue deeper into the earth.

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Now, on the same line, a new and unregistered cave has emerged right at the license boundary.

The cave's exploration is ongoing, with its full extent yet to be determined. It is located approximately 3 kilometers from the İsli (Karaindibi) Cave, an area known for its historical wall paintings and expanded protection zone. The discovery was made by cavers from the federation and local environmental volunteers.

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The area around the newly discovered cave is noteworthy not only for its natural formations but also for its cultural landscape.

Environmental groups, including the Geyikbayırı Living Platform, have raised urgent concerns. They point out that the new cave was found near the boundary of a licensed quarrying area. The use of open-pit mining and blasting methods in the vicinity poses a serious risk of irreversible damage to the newly discovered cave, its surrounding forest ecosystem, and nearby ancient archaeological sites, including an ancient farm settlement and remnants of a paved road.

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The cave entrance, its surroundings, and nearby archaeological elements need urgent examination by experts.

These groups are calling for immediate action from relevant authorities. They demand that the new cave and its surroundings be evaluated urgently, incorporating mapping reports from the Caving Federation and expert opinions from archaeologists and geologists. They advocate for the initiation of a formal registration process for the cave and a reassessment of the protection boundaries, considering both the existing İsli Cave protection area and the newly found cave.

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The main problem is this: the existence of this cave was not known when the protection boundaries were determined.