22.05.2026 11:20
The landscape formed by meters of snow and stars in the Nemrut Caldera in Bitlis in the last days of May left viewers in awe. Captured through the 10-day work of astrophotographer Dr. Cihan Önen, the caldera created postcard-worthy images with its snowy paths and starry sky.
Nemrut Caldera, located within the borders of the Ahlat, Güroymak, and Tatvan districts of Bitlis, drew attention with its mesmerizing scenery of snow and stars in the final days of May. The images of roads covered in meters of snow merging with the stars during the night hours created a visual feast.
METERS OF SNOW IN MAY
Winter landscapes continue to dominate Nemrut Caldera, which hosts Turkey's largest and the world's second-largest crater lake. Roads stretching between snow walls reaching meters in height at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters, combined with thousands of stars in the night sky, revealed unique images. The snowy peaks of the caldera meeting the stars in the same frame created a mystical atmosphere.
CAPTURED AFTER A 10-DAY EFFORT
Dr. Cihan Önen, who conducts nature observation and astrophotography studies in the region, obtained impressive images after approximately 10 days of work. Following daytime explorations, the unique scenery of Nemrut Caldera was recorded through nighttime shoots and detailed star exposures.
“LIKE A PATH OPENING TO THE STARS”
In his statement, Dr. Cihan Önen noted that winter conditions still prevail in the region and said: “Looking at the stars from between meters-high snow walls creates a road map opening to thousands of stars. When the passage of stars from the caldera's peaks integrates with the enchanting image of the earth, wonderful details can emerge.”
URBANIZATION WARNING
Önen also drew attention to the negative impact of increasing urbanization on the natural nightscape. He stated that the light intensity around Tatvan and Bitlis makes star observations in the caldera increasingly difficult every day.
Here are those captivating images that mesmerize viewers;