Newsletters
A section of a fairy chimney rock formation collapsed on Saturday morning in Nevsehir's Goreme district, with no casualties reported in the incident at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The partial collapse occurred at parcel number 582 in the Goreme district's central area during morning hours. Rock fragments were scattered across the surrounding area following the structural failure of the geological formation.
Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) teams, Goreme Gendarmerie Command units, and Cappadocia Area Authority specialists were dispatched to the location following the incident. Safety assessments confirmed no loss of life occurred during the collapse.
Cappadocia Area Authority Director Cem Aslanbay provided details about the collapse, explaining the underlying factors behind the incident.
"There are rock chambers carved in ancient times at the base of the collapsed fairy chimney. Additionally, rock breakage occurred on the south face due to temperature differences created by climate change and freeze-thaw effects. This situation resulted in partial damage," Aslanbay stated.
The area surrounding the fairy chimney has been cordoned off with barriers to ensure public safety following the collapse.
Authorities determined that conventional heavy machinery cleanup operations could pose risks to surrounding rock formations.
The vibrations generated by construction equipment were assessed as potentially damaging to nearby fairy chimneys.
Officials concluded that using crusher machines for cleanup work would not be appropriate for the sensitive heritage site. Instead, Cappadocia Area Authority teams have begun preparing specialized intervention plans specifically designed for the collapsed fairy chimney.
The incident affected one of the region's iconic geological formations that attracts tourists from around the world to the UNESCO-listed Cappadocia region.
1 min read
