Sublime Geological Impact: Travertine Revealed in Pamukkale

“What is travertine?”
Imagine this: You’re in the ancient city of Hierapolis, perched atop a hill in modern-day Turkey. Suddenly, before your eyes, a brilliant white slope stretches out, like a frozen waterfall of cotton. This is Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle” in Turkish.

The magic of Pamukkale begins underground. Rainwater seeps through limestone rocks rich in carbon dioxide. On its subterranean journey, this water heats up thanks to geothermal activity and becomes saturated with dissolved calcium carbonate.

When this thermal water emerges to the surface, the carbon dioxide is released into the air. This change in pressure and chemical composition causes the calcium carbonate to precipitate and deposit. Over thousands of years, this constant precipitation has created the stunning stepped terraces and the brilliant white pools we see today. All of this generated the perfect conditions for the formation of travertine. The thermal waters continue to flow to this day, ensuring the continuity of this natural phenomenon.

It is believed that the first people to inhabit the region were the Hittites, a civilization that existed between the 17th and 12th centuries BC. The Hittites did not leave detailed documentation about the Pamukkale region, but it is known that they were familiar with hot springs. Since the city of Hierapolis is located near Pamukkale, it is likely that the Hittites used the thermal waters, although there is no direct evidence to suggest that they were the first to discover the travertine formations specifically.

The true documented discovery of the Pamukkale region is related to the founding of the ancient city of Hierapolis. Although the thermal waters were known to earlier civilizations, it was in the Greek period (around the 2nd century BC) that the place began to be used for more organized purposes, especially in terms of health and well-being. The Greeks, in particular, appreciated the healing properties of the hot water and the beauty of the landscape, although they also knew about the therapeutic effects of thermal waters in other regions of the known world.

It is believed that Eumenes II, a king of Pergamon (an important Hellenistic kingdom), founded the city of Hierapolis in the 2nd century BC and promoted its use as a thermal bath center. The city was known not only for its thermal structures but also for its sanctuaries dedicated to Apollo, Asclepius (the god of medicine), and other gods related to health. The Greeks were certainly the first to document more explicitly the healing properties of the thermal waters in the area.

Although the Greeks had already established Hierapolis as a health center, it was the Romans who truly took advantage of the thermal waters of Pamukkale and the surrounding region. During the Roman Empire (1st to 4th centuries AD), Pamukkale reached its peak as a place of relaxation and healing. The Romans, known for their fondness for thermal baths, built a series of bath complexes around the hot springs, indicating that they were already aware of the abundance of travertine and the healing waters of the area. In Roman times, thermal baths were a fundamental part of daily life, and Roman citizens traveled to places like Pamukkale (Hierapolis) to treat illnesses and conditions or simply to relax. The Romans also introduced improvements in infrastructure, such as the construction of thermal pools, theaters, temples, and bathhouses, which have left significant ruins at the site.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the use of Pamukkale as a thermal bath center continued, although there was less documentation and promotion due to the fall of the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity, which often displaced the worship of Roman health gods like Asclepius. However, the hot springs remained known to local people and travelers passing through the region.

Despite being known for centuries, it was in the 19th century that Pamukkale began to be rediscovered by Europeans and the rest of the world. European travelers and archaeologists began to document the geothermal wonders of Pamukkale, and the hot springs gained international fame. In 1884, a British explorer and geographer, William Ramsay, began to investigate the Hierapolis region, taking notes on the ruins and the geography of the place, which helped make the area more accessible to the Western world. Although Pamukkale had already been used continuously for centuries by local populations, the place began to gain notoriety as a tourist destination in the 19th century, when archaeological exploration and interest in the historical sites of the region began.

Pamukkale was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 due to its exceptional geological and cultural value. This international distinction helped protect and preserve the site, as well as attract tourists from all over the world who wanted to experience its travertine formations and thermal waters.

The historical significance of Pamukkale
Pamukkale is not only a geological phenomenon but also has a rich human history. Since ancient times, this place has been considered a sacred and healing site.The ancient city of Hierapolis, located near the terraces, was founded in the 2nd century BC and became an important health center due to the healing properties of its thermal waters. The ruins of these Roman baths are still visible today, testifying to the importance of Pamukkale in ancient history.

Pamukkale in modern times

Pamukkale has continued to be a popular tourist destination due to its thermal waters and unique landscape. Over the decades, the place has been a source of attraction for both local and international tourists. However, it has also faced challenges related to mass tourism. During the tourism boom of the 1980s and 1990s, the influx of visitors began to endanger the delicate ecological balance of the area.

Fortunately, in recent years, Turkish authorities have taken measures to protect the site. Direct access to some areas of the terraces has been restricted to prevent erosion and water pollution. This has allowed Pamukkale to continue to be a well-preserved natural wonder.

The phenomenon of the changing color of the terraces
One of the fascinating aspects of Pamukkale is that the terraces are not always white. Depending on weather conditions and geothermal activity, the color of the terraces can vary. At certain times of the year, the terraces may exhibit yellow or orange tones due to the presence of additional minerals, such as sulfur. This color change adds an extra touch of magic and mystery to the landscape, making each visit to Pamukkale unique.

Mythology and popular beliefs
In the mythology of the region, the thermal waters of Pamukkale were considered a gift from the gods, particularly Apollo, the god of the sun, and Asclepius, the god of medicine. It was believed that the waters of Pamukkale had healing properties that could relieve pain, cure skin diseases, and revitalize the body and soul. Even today, some people still believe that the water has healing powers, and many tourists visit the site hoping to experience the therapeutic benefits of the thermal waters.

Pamukkale and photography: A visual paradise
Pamukkale is a place that attracts photographers due to its stunning and surreal beauty. The white travertine terraces, turquoise thermal waters, and clear sky create a unique color palette. The way the light changes throughout the day also offers opportunities to capture spectacular views. From sunrise to sunset, the place offers a variety of visual landscapes that transform with the light.
Tourists often enjoy walking on the travertine terraces, but they are also encouraged to do so carefully to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem. As a place of global interest, photography in Pamukkale has gained great popularity, especially on social media, where thousands of images are shared every day.

Tips for visiting Pamukkale
If you plan to visit Pamukkale, here are some practical tips to make the most of your experience:
· Wear appropriate footwear: The travertine terraces can be slippery, so be sure to wear sandals or comfortable, non-slip shoes.
· Avoid using sunscreen: To preserve the site, it is recommended not to use sunscreen while walking on the terraces.
· Visit early or late: The early morning or late afternoon hours are ideal for avoiding crowds and experiencing the place in a quieter way.
· Do not get completely wet: While you can wet your feet in the thermal waters, remember that some areas are protected to preserve the ecosystem.