It was revealed that the rare basalt columns found in Şanlıurfa have a history of 2 million years. It was stated that serious work is needed to protect the columns, which are of great importance for the promotion and tourism of the region. Currently, protection works have already started.
Investigations revealed that these columns are among the rare basalt columns in the world and have a history of approximately 2 million years.
‘SERIOUS WORK IS REQUIRED TO PRESERVE THE COLUMNS’ Siverek Mayor Ali Murat Bucak stated that basalt columns are of great importance for the promotion and tourism of the region. Bucak said, ‘It is very important for us for the promotion of our district and tourism. A serious work needs to be done in the region to preserve these columns. Of course, since we are not experts in this field, we will make our initiatives on both the ministry and the central government side. Nevertheless, it is of great importance to protect the region, especially to have protection bands. I hope it will be auspicious, I think it will be of great benefit for the promotion of our district and region.’
‘WORK TO MAKE A PROTECTED AREA HAS STARTED’ Harran University Geography Department Head Prof. Dr. Mehmet Sait Şahinalp stated that the location of the columns is on an important tourism route. Şahinalp said, ‘It is located on the road to Nemrut and in an area close to the Takoran Valley. Therefore, it will attract the attention of tourists and will provide an economic return. The most important thing is the protection of this natural heritage. It may not be possible to move historical artefacts, so it is important to protect these values and create a visitor area.’
Müslüm Çoban, Secretary General of Şanlıurfa Regional Chamber of Tourist Guides, stated that basalt stones will increase the tourism potential of Şanlıurfa. Çoban said, ‘The basalt stones in Siverek district of Şanlıurfa are popularly known as Karataş and will make a great contribution to the tourism potential. Currently, the work to make a protected area has started and this region should be protected and brought to tourism. Especially in GAP and Mesopotamia tours, these basalt columns will attract the attention of tourists.’