Altınbeşik Cave
Turkey
About Altınbeşik Cave
Altınbeşik Cave National Park features one of Turkey's largest underground lake systems. The cave system extends for several kilometers with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The park also includes Mediterranean forest ecosystems and karst formations.
Fauna
The cave ecosystem hosts a specialized community of troglobitic (cave-adapted) species, including several endemic invertebrates. Bats represent the most prominent vertebrate inhabitants, with multiple species using the cave as a roosting site. The underground lake contains unique aquatic fauna, including blind cave fish and crustaceans. The cave's entrance zone serves as habitat for various birds, reptiles, and small mammals adapted to the karst environment.
Flora
The cave entrance and surrounding karst landscape support a diverse Mediterranean vegetation community, including endemic species adapted to the limestone substrate. While the cave's dark interior lacks photosynthetic plants, various species of fungi and algae thrive in the entrance zone where limited light penetrates. The exterior area features characteristic Mediterranean species such as Pinus brutia (Turkish pine), Quercus coccifera (Kermes oak), and various aromatic herbs.
Geology
Formed in Mesozoic-era limestone through extensive karstification processes, Altınbeşik Cave features a complex network of chambers and passages extending over 4.5 kilometers. The cave system includes both dry upper galleries and a lower level containing Turkey's largest underground lake, spanning approximately 2 kilometers. Notable geological features include impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations, created over millions of years through calcium carbonate deposition.
History
The cave has been known to local inhabitants since ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting human activity dating back to the Hellenistic period. It was first scientifically documented in 1966 by French speleologists, and declared a National Park in 1994. The name 'Altınbeşik' means 'Golden Cradle' in Turkish, derived from local legends about the cave's shimmering formations. Modern exploration has revealed extensive evidence of historical water usage and settlement patterns in the surrounding region.
Notable Features
The cave's most spectacular feature is its vast underground lake system, accessible by boat tours that showcase dramatic limestone formations reflected in crystal-clear waters. The main chamber, known as the 'Cathedral Room,' features impressive ceiling heights of up to 40 meters and contains some of Turkey's most spectacular speleothems. Unique geological formations include rare helictites, shield formations, and massive columns where stalactites and stalagmites have joined. The cave's natural lighting effects, created by surface openings, produce stunning visual displays on the water surface.
Climate & Weather
Altınbeşik Cave maintains a stable temperature of around 16-18°C (61-64°F) throughout the year, typical of large cave systems in the Mediterranean region. The cave's humidity levels remain consistently high at 85-95%, creating a unique microclimate that supports specialized cave-dwelling organisms. While the exterior experiences hot summers and mild winters characteristic of the Mediterranean climate, the cave's interior environment remains remarkably constant, making it accessible for visits year-round.