Akçadağ ‘Küçükkürne caves’, which occurred 50 million years ago, with Hittite and Roman traces

In Akçadağ district of Malatya, the hidden paradise of Eastern Anatolia, the “Küçükkürne caves,” bearing the traces of millions of years of geological formations and ancient civilizations, are being prepared to be opened for tourism. Shaped by tectonic movements approximately 50 million years ago, these caves resemble an open-air museum with their Hittite and Roman period remains.

Mysterious Treasures of Levent Valley

Levent Valley, 15 kilometers from Akçadağ district center, attracts attention with its 65 million-year-old geological formation, unique nature, and historical ruins. The sequential caves and rock tombs in the Küçükkürne Neighborhood within the valley offer visitors a journey through time.

Meeting Point of Geology and History

Istanbul University Faculty Member Dr. Yıldırım Güngör stated that the caves have a special importance in terms of human-geology relations: “The cave system that starts within Levent Valley actually covers a wide area, and thousands of people lived here in the past. The rock of the caves is about 45 to 50 million years old. The region is one of the important living areas where many people lived. In the Roman period, they made vertical architecture by going up several floors, not just horizontal, which is a world heritage in this sense.”

Tourism Development Efforts

Akçadağ Mayor Hasan Ulutaş emphasized that the region has significant tourism potential: “Levent Valley is Akçadağ’s window to the world. An expert academic team is conducting a comprehensive project study on Levent Valley-Küçükkürne caves. We are determined to bring the region to tourism.”