Visitors flock to Ball?ca cave

Tokat?s Ball?ca Cave, described as a wonder of nature, is a popular place among patients of asthma thanks to its oxygen level and healing atmosphere Famous for its stalactites, rare geological formations and cures for asthma, Ball?ca Cave in the northern Anatolian province of Tokat is continuing to draw large numbers of visitors, with 70,125 people going spelunking last year.

Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Abdurrahman Akyüz said the cave had retained its mystery with parts that had not yet been opened to visits, as well as undiscovered sections.

?Viewing the formations in the Ball?ca Cave is like visiting a natural museum. The age of the cave is nearly 3.4 million years old. Walking in the cave is a mysterious adventure. It is a place where all cave formations can be seen and is a wonder of nature,? he said.

?And this cave has not yet even finished its formation. It is a very important place for Tokat tourism.?Akyüz said, adding that more than 55,000 people visited the cave in 2013, and 70,125 people in 2014.

He said Ball?ca also helped those suffering from asthma due to its healing air. ?It is necessary to establish a health center for people with asthma. We believe that it will be more popular through time. The oxygen level in the cave is more than the level outside. This is important for people with asthma, who may find the cure here,? he said.

?Even a person, who knows nothing about caves sees that it is a wonder of nature, a wonderful cave. Tour operators always show their admiration for the cave,? he said, noting the site?s special nature.

The cave is located on a hill at an altitude of 1,085 meters. Its sections known as Havuzlu, Büyük Damlata?lar, Çamurlu, Fosil, Yarasal?,...