Nemrut Caldera to become global geopark

Efforts are underway to introduce the Nemrut Caldera, which is located at an altitude of 2,250 meters and welcomes thousands of local and foreign tourists every year in the eastern province of Bitlis' Tatvan district, to the world by including it in UNESCO's Global Geopark Network.

Yıldırım Güngör, associate professor from the Istanbul University's Geological Engineering Department, and academics from Bitlis Eren University (BEU) are continuing their research in and around Nemrut Crater Lake within the scope of the "Bitlis Nemrut-Süphan Potential Geopark Area" project, initiated by BEU five years ago.

By examining the region, which stands out with its natural beauties, unique scenery, hot and cold lakes, ice cave, steam chimney and biodiversity, academics are trying to identify the stone and soil structure, vegetation, endemic plant species and geomorphological features of the caldera.

In line with the reports to be prepared as a result of scientific studies that have been largely completed, it is being planned to apply to UNESCO for the inclusion of Nemrut Caldera, which received the " Excellence Award" within the scope of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) Project in the Global Geopark Network.
With the approval of the project, it is aimed to make Nemrut Crater Lake, which has a great contribution to tourism in the region, a world-renowned place.

Speaking to the state-run Anadolu Agency, BEU Rector Professor Necmettin Elmastaş said that within the scope of the project, academics carried out scientific studies in geological and geomorphological fields in and around the Nemrut Caldera.

Elmastaş said that some application areas should be created for Nemrut to become a geopark after the scientific studies were...