The Enigmatic Journey to Altınbeşik

The morning air was crisp as I embarked on a journey that promised to unveil the hidden wonders of Turkey’s only Cave National Park. The road to Altınbeşik Cave wound through the Taurus Mountains, a landscape that seemed to whisper secrets of ancient times. As the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the rugged terrain, I felt a familiar thrill of anticipation, akin to the moments before stepping into a forgotten Soviet-era building.

Upon arrival, the entrance to the cave loomed like a portal to another world. The boat ride through the cave was a surreal experience, the silence only broken by the gentle lapping of water against the boat. The cavernous space was both haunting and beautiful, with stalactites and stalagmites forming a natural cathedral. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, a stark contrast to the decaying urban landscapes I often explore.

Discovering Ürünlü and Ormana

After the ethereal experience of the cave, we journeyed to the village of Ürünlü, historically known as Unulla. The village, with its buttoned homes, was a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the past. These structures, built without cement or nails, reminded me of the resilience and resourcefulness found in the remnants of Soviet architecture.

The journey continued to Ormana, a place steeped in history dating back to the Roman Empire. The wooden cottages, adorned with intricate wood carvings, stood as silent witnesses to the passage of time. As I wandered through the village, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the hidden gems of Moscow, where history and decay coexist in a delicate balance.

A Thousand-Year-Old Witness

Our final stop was Sarhaclar, where a thousand-year-old tree stood as a living monument to the ages. Its massive trunk, with a diameter of 24 meters, was a reminder of nature’s enduring presence amidst the ever-changing human landscape. Standing before it, I felt a sense of reverence, much like when I uncover a forgotten piece of history in the urban jungles of Eastern Europe.

As the day drew to a close, I reflected on the journey. Altınbeşik Cave and the surrounding villages offered a glimpse into a world where nature and history intertwine, much like the stories I seek in the decaying remnants of the past. It was a journey that resonated with my soul, a reminder that beauty and mystery can be found in the most unexpected places.