Potential underground city discovered in Türkiye’s Black Sea region

Explorers and historians have turned their attention to a mysterious canyon in the Taskopru district of Kastamonu, in the Black Sea region of Türkiye.

The site features remnants of ancient walls, caves, and tunnel entrances, which has sparked speculation about the existence of an underground city beneath its surface.

Hikmet Haberal, a lecturer at Kastamonu University’s Tourism Faculty, led the discovery. The team, working with the Taskopru Local Action Group Association and Taskopru Municipality, are focused on developing adventure tourism routes in the region.

Their detailed examination of Buk Karsi Canyon, which has remained hidden until now, revealed significant historical structures.

During their exploration, the team found remnants of walls stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers along the canyon. They also discovered a cave accessible by a ladder descending about 328 feet (100 meters).

The team encountered a waterfall and identified another cave at the canyon’s entrance, partially blocked by mud and tree roots. Evidence of ancient habitation within the caves led them to believe an ancient underground city might be hidden beneath the canyon.

University lecturer Hikmet Haberal recalled deciding to explore the canyon. “We were curious and decided to visit the area,” Haberal said. “The locals told us that no one had entered the canyon, describing it as a closed box. We explored around the canyon, which resembles a mountain with slopes on both sides. The canyon, located in a deep valley between two mountains, has a stream running through its middle.”

He recalled, “We circled approximately 4 kilometers around the canyon, discovering caves. One of these caves had a ladder leading down. As I descended the ladder, I shouted, and my friends outside heard the echo, so I returned without going further.”

Haberal emphasized the need to protect and register the site. “We saw various types of caves, some very long and others like houses. At the end of the wall running from one end of the canyon to the other, we found a rock tomb overlooking a village.”

“This tomb, along with the walls, has been damaged,” he noted. “The walls and other remnants indicate significant historical value, and the area should be protected and registered. With a stream flowing for 1 kilometer, settlement areas in the canyon, and surrounding authentic villages, this region has immense potential for nature tourism.”

Locals also informed the team about the possibility of an underground city within the canyon. “We couldn’t believe it at first,” Haberal admitted. “But during our exploration, we found a cave entrance on the right side of the canyon. Although the water level was high when we entered, we decided to swim to the cave. Inside, we found tracks of animals like wolves and martens.”

Hikmet Haberal went on to add, “These animals couldn’t have crossed the water, suggesting another route into the canyon. As we explored further, the cave narrowed, and its entrance was filled with mud. Given the locals’ accounts and our observations, we believe there might be an ancient city deeper inside. Experts in speleology will need to investigate further, and perhaps the entrance can be cleared by redirecting the water flow to reveal this underground city.”

This discovery increases the potential of Kastamonu’s Buk Karsi Canyon to become a significant site for adventure tourism and historical research. The possibility of an ancient underground city adds a layer of mystery and allure, making it an intriguing destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts looking to explore Türkiye’s Black Sea region.