A hidden lake beneath Turkey’s southern coast is revealing its secrets. Inside Gilindire Cave in Mersin, a dive team captured stunning images of underwater formations that have been untouched since the Ice Age.
The dive, led by underwater cinematographer Tahsin Ceylan, lasted 90 minutes. With a skilled crew, they documented stalactites, stalagmites, and unique mineral structures in a chamber 30 meters deep.
Located in Aydıncık, the cave holds clues about the Ice Age. Expert snorkelers and divers conducted this expedition with special permission from local authorities. It was organized by the Coast Guard Mediterranean Region Command’s Diving Team, including retired navy colonel Fatih Erhan and instructors Mahmut İğde and Boğaç Dağhan Günöz.
Ceylan emphasized the cave’s natural beauty, calling it “a masterpiece, a legacy of nature.” He believes showcasing it could boost diving tourism in Turkey. The high-resolution footage highlights how this historical site could attract visitors keen on exploring its underwater wonders.
Gilindire Cave formed during the Quaternary period and features a submerged section that reaches about 47 meters in depth. The team recorded impressive stalactites, columns, and cave pearls, which remain intact due to their protection from atmospheric changes since submersion.
The cave stretches 555 meters horizontally and is situated 45 meters above sea level. Massive dripstone formations create a complex internal layout, much of which is undisturbed.
Interestingly, the cave was discovered by accident in 1999. A shepherd stumbled upon it while following a porcupine. Inside, he found a fascinating world filled with unique mineral formations.
Today, the cave can be accessed from the Mersin-Antalya highway, about four kilometers from Aydıncık. Visitors can hike to the upper sections, but the submerged chamber is reserved for trained divers.
Mahmut İğde described the site as “a legendary underwater beauty,” highlighting the striking formations and the thriving underwater ecosystem present in the cave.
This discovery not only enriches Turkey’s natural heritage but also opens doors for new research about our planet’s history, showing how geology can reveal the past.
For more about the breathtaking features of Gilindire Cave, you can explore the findings shared by Hürriyet Daily News.
