Following the collapse of a fairy chimney at the entrance of the Göreme Open Air Museum in Cappadocia, a warning came from Mining Technology and Earth Sciences Expert Serkan İçelli, who had previously conducted examinations in the area. İçelli stated that there are many worn-out structures in the same vicinity and that risky areas must be identified one by one.
İçelli noted that in a video he filmed in the region two months ago, he drew attention to the danger by saying, "this place could fall on our heads." He explained that fairy chimneys were formed through millions of years of geological processes, but that a significant portion of the cavities in the region had been converted into living spaces by human hands throughout history.
Explaining that Cappadocia was shaped by volcanism and differential erosion, İçelli pointed to the effects of processes such as climate fluctuations, surface runoff, and freeze-thaw cycles on the rocks. According to İçelli, the saturation of fine-grained structures with water, which increases their weight and pore pressure, heightens the risk of deformation, especially in carved sections.
We have identified many places like the one that collapsed today. These can be identified and reinforced; we can restore them in a way that is compatible with nature while performing restoration.
Reminding that the region was used as a living space until the mid-1950s, İçelli stated that it was later evacuated due to rockfalls and collapses, and subsequently began to be exhibited as an open-air museum.
İçelli emphasized that if the work to be carried out is conducted in a disciplined manner and in accordance with nature, risky structures can be reinforced and safely brought back into tourism. The expert said, "If there is a danger, it tells us; 'I am coming.' As long as you understand its language."
News Source: 12punto
