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Would we discover another one this year?
We did
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In Pamukkale
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Could it be possible that we had snow and ice in Turkey even though the skies were blue and the temperature was hot?
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| Travertine terraces of crystalline pools |
Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated near the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Deep underground beneath what was once the ancient Roman City of Hierapolis lies a vast source of water heated by volcanic lava.
Gleaming white petrified waterfalls, and a series of travertine terraced basins straddle the plateau, and run down the hillsides of Pamukkale. Created over more than two millennia the hot mineral cascades transform calcium carbonate into travertine.
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People have bathed in these warm pools of water for thousands of years - a perfect spot to slip off your shoes and enjoy splashing around in the mineral rich waters at anytime of day or night
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Pamukkale resembles winter all year round, but the skies are blue and the temperatures high
Pamukkale is so strange to see for the first time, it is surreal indeed. You made some beautiful photos of the landscapes.
ReplyDeleteIt is like nothing I have ever seen before
DeleteBeautiful and very different. Your photos are lovely. I do remember your trip last year to Turkey.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely unlike anything I have seen before
DeleteAmazing!
ReplyDeleteThe world is full of unknown curiosities
DeleteBeautiful pictures, I remember Pamukkale well.
ReplyDeleteGlad it reminded you of your own visit
DeleteSo incredible!! The rocks in the third picture down look as though they are little houses perched on columns of rock, and yet so obviously not! The salts and pools are just amazing and you have photographed them beautifully as well. Fascinating and beautiful as always! xx
ReplyDeleteThe third photo was from last years visit to Cappadocia - those are known as fairy chimneys. They were also the result of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. If you are interested you can read my post on Fairy Chimneys from last December 2013.
DeleteThank you Rosemary, I went back and had a look, just fascinating. I really need to put aside some time and read your blog from the very start!! xx
DeleteThank you Amy - I am pleased that you found it worthwhile looking back.
DeleteHello Rosemary, Pamukkale is amazing, virtually an outdoor cave system. Your photos and description led me to investigate a little. I was surprised that this site could tolerate so much activity and tourism, but fortunately the over-development of the 1960's has been removed. I also looked at some pictures of similar terraces, but none have the icy-looking beauty and purity of Pamukkale. I saw some beautiful paintings of the Pink and White Terraces in New Zealand, but they were destroyed by a volcano. I am assuming you also toured neighboring Hierapolis; perhaps we'll get your impressions in the next post.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim - it is a big regret that we didn't have time to visit Hierapolis as we were only there for one night. The pictures I have seen of it show a fascinating place. It has a huge necropolis filled with sarcophagi because of the many patrons attracted by the healing qualities of the hot springs from as far back as the 2nd century BC.
DeleteThere are so many sites in Turkey that to visit them all is impossible - I think that it would take me years to do so, but I still have one or two more to post.
Dear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteDid you discover if the mineral waters had any healing properties? It would be interesting to know what the average lifespan is in the Pamukkale region.
Dear Mark - as I mentioned to Jim, people have been visiting Pamukkale since the 2nd century BC because of the healing qualities of its waters. I have no idea whether or not it works.
DeleteHow beautiful and mysterious. I have never even heard of Pamukkale.....I despair of my ignorance....fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI only heard about it once we had decided to visit.
DeleteSo luminous and magical! I wonder if any movies have been filmed here? Off to google.....
ReplyDeleteI don't know Loi - perhaps you might be able to tell me.
DeleteI thought you pictures last year were amazing! How wonderful to discover this too! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteIt's a new discovery each day in Turkey Sarah.
DeleteBeen trying all day to get into Comments - dang Error 400 is haunting us again, despite clearing the cookies several times. We might have to call in a Computer Geek...
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful series of pictures from Turkey, Rosemary, and Cappadocia must be the most amazing landscape. I have never heard of the travertine formations which are quite astonishing, as well as beautiful to look upon. I have looked over them several times - fantastic!
Oh dear Patricia! Computers can be such fun but on the other hand a nightmare. We have just lost all of our sent emails and H is not a happy bunny - was it me or was it him? or may be it was the computer!
DeleteJust two more posts to go and then it is goodbye Turkey, a place where we have learnt so much , seen wonderful things, and greatly enjoyed.
Incredible world, amazing landscapes, thanks for sharing !
ReplyDeleteTurkey appears to have many extraordinary sites to visit.
DeleteThose water filled terraces look absolutely beautiful Rosemary! Hope to see them myself one day. Did you and your husband take a bath in them?
ReplyDeleteWe didn't Madelief but some did - they are supposed to be theraputic
DeleteDear Rosemary, These photographs are fascinating. In the third photograph are the tops of the "pyramids" made by nature? They almost look man made. it must have been surreal to walk through this land of wonders.
ReplyDeleteEverything you can see Gina was made over millions of years ago via volcanic activity and subsequent erosion. The first three photos are from last year when we were in Cappadocia - may be you didn't see the post then. If you want to read how they were formed you can read my Fairy Chimneys post last December 2013.
DeleteI have known about Cappadocia, your last year trip, but Pamukkale is totally new to me. I’m often reminded that in the world there are so many places I haven’t known. What a beautiful and wondrous landscape! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYoko
It was unknown to me also Yoko
DeleteCompletely Other Worldly! Fascinating photographs - I do enjoy seeing places like these....
ReplyDeleteGlad that you enjoyed seeing it Nat.
DeleteWhat a mystical place, Rosemary. Can't help thinking that this would make a perfect setting for a science fiction film - don't you think?
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely an otherworldly place Yvette
DeleteWish I could find the right words. All that comes to mind is "wow"
ReplyDeleteThese two different places in Turkey made me feel 'wow'
DeleteHow fantastic images. Love a lot.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you enjoyed seeing them
DeleteI wish I could close my eyes and just be there ... Marvellous place. Beautiful photos. Thank you, Rosemary !
ReplyDeleteThank you Dani - glad that you enjoyed seeing it
DeleteHow extraordinary and how beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTurkey is full of surprises Perpetua
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