Türkiye’s 5,000-year-old salt mine becomes free healing retreat for COPD patients

An ancient salt mine in Cankiri, Türkiye, will soon become a free healing retreat for patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as part of the “A Stronger Breath Project.”

The Underground Salt City (Yer Alti Tuz Sehri), a 5,000-year-old mine dating back to the Hittite period and located approximately 500 feet underground, aims to improve respiratory health by providing a unique environment rich in salt particles.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Cankiri Governor’s Office, Cankiri Municipality, Cankiri Karatekin University, Provincial Health Directorate, Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, Cankiri Ozel Karatekin Hospital, the Salt Rehabilitation and Health Tourism Association (Tuz-Der), and the Cankiri branch of the Turkish Green Crescent Society (Yesilay). They have signed a cooperation protocol to launch this health tourism initiative.

Vali Mustafa Firat Tasolar expressed his enthusiasm for the project aiming to aid COPD patients, stating, “We are thrilled to realize such an important dream for Cankiri. This project will make our Underground Salt City one of the sought-after destinations in health tourism.”

Ismail Ozcan, head of Yesilay’s Cankiri branch, shared details about the initiative. “We aim to observe positive changes in the respiratory functions of COPD patients by having them spend quality time in the salt environment. This will be supported by blood and respiratory tests. Additionally, we seek to enhance Cankiri’s potential in health tourism,” he said.

The project will invite COPD patients – referred to as KOAH patients in Türkiye – from different parts of the country through Yesilay’s regional branches. Participants will spend 15 days in the salt mine from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., engaging in various social, cultural, and health-related activities.

These include ceramic and marbling art workshops, musical events, drama activities, cinema and poetry readings, healthy sports activities, physical exercises, and consultations with experts. The first program will take place from Sept. 24 to Oct. 8, with a second session planned for October or November. Participation in the project is entirely free.

Located approximately 12.5 miles from Cankiri’s city center and covering an area of 4.5 acres, the Underground Salt City features ancient sculptures and preserved animals, including a donkey that has remained intact for over 200 years.

The mine has been used by locals for millennia and is known for its beneficial effects on respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases due to the high concentration of salt particles in the air.