"Treasure hunters are digging under every stone: Here is our province, which is the 'Gold Capital' of Turkey."

14.10.2025 19:55

Uşak, which has the largest gold reserves in Turkey, has become a new favorite for treasure hunters. The Kışladağ Gold Mine in Eşme stands out as Turkey's "gold capital" with an annual production capacity of 13 tons, while cases of unauthorized excavations in the region are also on the rise.

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The Kışladağ Gold Mine in the Eşme district of Uşak is known as the largest open-pit operation in the country. With an average annual production of 13 tons of gold, the mine accounts for a quarter of Turkey's total gold production and has attracted the interest of treasure hunters in recent years.

THEY ARE SEARCHING FOR TREASURE UNDER EVERY STONE

Authorities are drawing attention to the increasing unauthorized excavations in the triangle of Uşak, Manisa, and Kütahya in recent times. They emphasize that treasure hunters are digging in areas unrelated to gold reserves, especially around Kışladağ, which not only harms nature but also poses a risk of damaging archaeological remains.

EXPERTS WARNED TREASURE HUNTERS

Geology experts emphasize that it is a great misconception for treasure hunters to see gold mines as "underground treasures." According to experts, gold mines are found kilometers below the surface, depending on certain geological formations, and are impossible to reach with shovels and picks.

ILLEGAL EXCAVATIONS IN THE SHADOW OF ECONOMIC VALUE

According to data from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, there are over 20 active gold mines in Turkey. However, illegal excavation incidents are also increasing in areas where mining activities are intense. Unauthorized excavations carried out by treasure hunters under the pretext of "gold searching" are both destroying the environment and harming cultural heritage.

A HOPE IN THE WAKE OF LEGENDS

Experts state that treasure hunting has been a part of Anatolia's rich culture throughout history, but there are still individuals who act "in pursuit of legends" in the technological age. It is noted that especially in the Aegean and Central Anatolia regions, the legends of "gold cities" are still kept alive among the local population.