Definitely one of the most special and unique natural attractions in Turkey are the stepped springs of Pamukkale. Located near the city of Denizli, these springs have been the focus of tourists around the world for many years. When you get to this area, you will encounter a very large area that glows with whiteness and mineral water is flowing in it. Pamukkaleh is actually a series of springs that are stacked on top of each other and the white remnants and sediments resulting from them, have created a special and amazing view.
Pamuk Kale in Turkish means cotton castle and when you look at the white effects of these springs, you will quickly understand why it is named. Interestingly, these bright white springs have been in the spotlight for many years, and this attention dates back to two thousand years ago and the period of the ancient Roman Empire. The radiance of Pamuk caught the eye of these historical people, and this was the reason why they built a castle and a city near it and built the “holy city” or “Hierapolis” on these springs. The Roman rulers, while guarded by many soldiers, bathed in hot and mineral springs near the city. Pamukkale springs were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.
When it comes to having fun along Pamuk Kale, the first idea is to walk along these springs and visit the beautiful nature around it. Of course, you should know that you are only allowed to enter some sections where the staff will guide you.
Right above the Pamuk Kale hot springs, Cleopatra’s ancient pools can be seen. These pools, which belong to the ancient city of Hierapolis, are made of rocky cliffs and were once considered the swimming pool of the greats of the Roman Empire. These stone pools, which were gifted to Queen Cleopatra by Marcus Antonius, one of the rulers of the Roman Empire, were also known as this beautiful queen. Cleopatra’s pools were surrounded by the temple and buildings of Apollo, and this was a sad and of course different fate for them. In the seventh century AD, a severe earthquake caused the temple to collapse and its large stone pillars to fall into the pool.
Cleopatra pools are also fed by Pamukkale water and therefore a pool with warm water is waiting for you.
Pamukkale is one of the most special natural places you will see during your life. So, when you plan to explore this spring, do not forget your camera. It does not matter if you are shooting with a mobile phone or have a professional camera, Pamukkaleh is so magnificent that you do not need much photography knowledge to capture its beautiful moments.
Pamukkale is located in the Aegean Sea, in the valley of the River Menderes. If we want to discuss the origins of such springs, we have to go back 400,000 years; When Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) went through a series of devastating earthquakes. These earthquakes, in turn, created the Menderes River valley and hot springs; But this was only the beginning of the emergence of springs, and at that time there was no news of a series of stepped and white springs.
The bed material of Pamukkaleh springs is made of travertine. Travertine is a type of limestone with cavities that is made from the accumulation of sediments in hot springs. The cavities in these rocks are also the result of the presence of water-soluble gases. Pamukkaleh actually includes 17 hot springs that have a temperature of about 35 to 100 degrees Celsius. The water that comes out of the springs travels a relatively long distance, about 240 to 300 meters. Water flows out of the springs and covers a land 70 by 30 meters wide. Thus, a significant area of land in this area is affected by sediments of this water.
The water in this area, which carries a high percentage of calcium hydrocarbons, reacts with oxygen to release carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, causing calcium carbonate to precipitate. Sedimented calcium carbonate takes years to gain significant volume and is initially only as a soft, vulnerable layer. Over the years, these layers become more voluminous, affected by water and wind erosion, become stronger, and become porous. These soft, jelly-like sediments accumulate over time in the form of layered and wrinkled rows, eventually forming the current shape of stepped springs. Among the factors that play a role in the whitening of Pamukkaleh springs, we can mention the weather conditions, lack of heat, continuity and duration of water flow.
The small town of Pamukkale, which is located near the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean, has a good and pleasant climate all year round due to the weather conditions of these two areas. So, when you travel to this city, you will experience sunny summers and mild winters.
