26.03.2026 02:00
The starfish fossil found during a nature walk in the Baklan district of Denizli provides important clues that the region was once covered by the sea, bringing attention to Çalkebir's rich geological history.
A citizen hiking in the Baklan district of Denizli found a starfish fossil believed to be millions of years old. The fossil, discovered in the mountainous area known as Asar Mevkii in Boğaziçi Neighborhood, was secured by the citizen who found it.
AN IMPORTANT EVIDENCE SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE PAST
Ahmet Akbay, the founder of the Çalkebir Cultural Association, stated that the region is noteworthy not only for its cultural and historical structures but also for its geological features. Emphasizing the scientific significance of the newly found starfish fossil, Akbay said, "This finding is an important piece of evidence that sheds light on the past of Çalkebir."
ÇALKEBİR WAS UNDER THE SEA HUNDRED MILLION YEARS AGO
According to observations and evaluations, it is believed that Çalkebir was under the sea approximately one hundred million years ago. It is estimated that the highest points of the region rose as islets in the sea during that period.
Akbay stated that the sand dunes and terrain structure in the region indicate that strong water currents were effective in the past, especially towards the Türkmen Face, and noted that Karacadağ may have been at a higher position in the past, having possibly lowered due to subsidence and major earthquakes over time. It is also considered that as a result of compression movements during the same process, the Türkmen Face has risen to gain its current topographic structure.
CARRYING TRACES OF A GREAT LAKE
Pointing out that the stream bed located in the old city road area carries traces of a large lake that is believed to have existed in the region in the past, Akbay expressed that the small lake formations still visible in the vicinity also support this view.