Mersin’s historic cave blends history, natural beauty

Gilindire Cave, home to traces from the Ice Age, is set to welcome tourists with its renewed features.

A shepherd discovered the cave located in the Aydincik district of Mersin in 1999 while following a porcupine. Since then, it has become a significant tourist attraction for those visiting southern Türkiye.

Recent renovations aim to increase its appeal and preserve Türkiye’s natural beauty.

The “Gilindire Cave Route Arrangement Project,” coordinated by the Governorship of Mersin and carried out by the Cukurova Development Agency, is complete. This project involved reshaping the entrance by carving stones around it, improving the surrounding environment and installing a new lighting system.

Historical, geological significance of Gilindire Cave

Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan emphasized the cave’s historical and geological significance during his inspection. “The cave was discovered in 1999 when a shepherd followed a porcupine, but human traces in the cave date back approximately 11,000 years. Its formation is estimated to be between 30 and 50 million years old,” Pehlivan stated.

He explained the cave’s unique feature, which contains a water area known as Aynaligol (Mirror Lake), saying: “Stalactites and stalagmites are present in almost every cave, but the presence of a lake adds a unique dimension to this one. It truly enhances the cave’s value and makes it more attractive.”

Increasing visitor numbers in Gilindire Cave

Pehlivan also expressed optimism about the cave’s visitor numbers. “Before the pandemic, we averaged 100,000 visitors. With these renovations, we aim to surpass that figure. I believe the number of visitors will increase significantly in the future. Our greatest desire is for many people to explore and see this natural wonder. We will continue our promotional activities,” he said.

Unique geological features, scientific research in Gilindire Cave

Gilindire Cave features numerous intriguing formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and cave pearls. Situated on a slope 45 meters above sea level, the cave extends 555 meters horizontally and reaches a depth of 46 meters.

Large dripstones divide the main gallery into several halls and rooms.

Formed during the transition to the post-glacial period at the beginning of the Quaternary period, the cave is also known as Aynaligol because of its deep water.

The stalactites and stalagmites underwater are considered unaffected by atmospheric changes, preserving hydrological and atmospheric data from the Ice Age.

Visitors can reach the cave by turning toward the sea from the Mersin-Antalya highway, 2.5 miles from Aydincik’s town center.