05.09.2026 11:31
Nature enthusiast and Archaeologist Onur Benli, along with mountaineer Zayim Cemal Altay, descended into the crater of Mount Tendürek, known as one of Turkey's most active volcanoes, which last showed activity in 1855, and captured images of gas and steam emissions. Benli, stating that they measured the temperature of some chimneys with gas emissions at 84 degrees Celsius, said, 'The fumarole field was like a pit of hell. Seeing sulfurous gases seeping through the rocks and smelling that odor was extremely impressive.'
Tendürek Mountain, on the border between Çaldıran district of Van and Doğubayazıt district of Ağrı, draws attention with its two peaks and wide crater structure. While the great peak of Tendürek, a shield-type volcano, reaches a height of 3,533 meters, its crater, which is 1,100 meters in diameter, is known to be approximately 300 meters deep.
DESCENDED INTO THE CRATER
Archaeologist, traveler, and nature enthusiast Onur Benli and mountaineer Zayim Cemal Altay descended into the Tendürek crater, known as one of Turkey's youngest active volcanic areas, where an eruption occurred in 1855. The two friends conducted investigations in the crater, which had previously been very rarely documented. Benli and Altay recorded the ongoing fumarolic activities, gas, and steam emissions in the crater.
"IT WAS LIKE A PIT OF HELL"
Describing his observations in the crater, Onur Benli stated that they had the opportunity to closely observe the gas and steam emissions, whose existence was previously known but whose imaging was quite limited. Benli said, "We descended into the crater of Tendürek Mountain, known as the most active volcano in our country. It was one of the most horrifying sights I have ever seen. We managed to make very important observations here. We closely observed and successfully recorded the fumarole, that is, the gas and steam emissions of the Tendürek crater, whose existence was previously known but of which there were no images."
Benli, who said that the fumarole region has an extremely impressive appearance, said, "It was just like a pit of hell. Gases were escaping, boiling muds and sulfurous gases created a horrifying scene. The area with steam emissions was like the mouth of a dragon. Seeing and smelling the sulfurous gases seeping from between the rocks was very impressive."
84 DEGREES MEASURED IN SOME VENTS
Benli, who stated that he measured the temperature in some vents where gas emissions are located in the crater, said, "I measured the temperature as 84 degrees in the vents with gas emissions. We also observed that there are hot springs in places on the crater floor."
Benli, who stated that Tendürek Mountain has natural and geological features, said the following:
"It was not widely known before that such a place exists in our country. However, the region is slowly being opened up to tourism. We also had the opportunity to see this little-known place and record our observations. Our aim is to show people this unique geography that has not been seen much before."