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A team of divers gathered in Hatay to document the region’s marine biodiversity, capturing footage of species ranging from stingrays to catfish using underwater cameras. The team also explored Bilge Tas Cave, first discovered eight years ago.
The 50-member diving team, including underwater filmmaker and cinematographer Tahsin Ceylan, convened in the city to promote the natural beauty of the Mediterranean seabed. The divers were accompanied by the Coast Guard Mediterranean Region Diving Team. Their initial dives took place in the bays of Kel Mountain in Samandag district.
During their dives, participants filmed stingrays and Indo-Pacific catfish. They later explored waters near Karamagara in Kel Mountain, Yayladagi district, recording archaeological artifacts, sea urchins and loggerhead turtles (caretta caretta).
The team’s final destination was Bilge Tas Cave, discovered in 2017 by diving instructor Mahmut İgde and Dr. Cihan Ozturk. Divers captured images of underwater sand pyramids, chimneys, stalactites and stalagmites, showcasing the region’s vibrant marine life.
Tahsin Ceylan highlighted that November and December provide favorable conditions for diving. “This area allows for cave diving and offers the opportunity to film a rich variety of marine life,” he said. Speaking from inside Bilge Tas Cave, Ceylan added: “In terms of safety, I believe this is the most diveable cave in Türkiye. Experienced cave divers should not miss this opportunity. Promoting, protecting, and integrating such a cave into Türkiye’s diving tourism is of utmost importance.”
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