Pınargözü Cave

Pınargözü Cave is a natural cave exhibiting karstic features located within the boundaries of Yenişarbademli district in Isparta Province in southwestern Türkiye. The cave is an active structure associated with an underground water system and ranks among the longest caves in Türkiye^【1】. Speleological investigations have determined that approximately 16 kilometers of the cave had been surveyed by 1995, yet the full extent of the cave system has not yet been fully explored^【2】. Due to its geomorphological structure, hydrographic characteristics, and location, it has been the subject of scientific and geographical studies^【3】.

The cave is situated approximately 8 kilometers from the center of Yenişarbademli district and lies near the Beyşehir Lake basin. The cave developed within the karstic framework of Taurus Mountains, and its surroundings are characterized by mountainous and forested terrain. The region is considered a holistic ecosystem from a natural landscape perspective. The geological structure played a decisive role in the formation and development of the cave.

^{Top-down view of Pınargözü Cave. (}Yenişarbademli Municipality⁾

Pınargözü Cave is a karstic cave formed within Jurassic–Cretaceous limestone formations^【4】. The cave system contains an active underground water flow, giving it significant hydrological importance^【5】. A powerful underground water discharge of approximately 778 liters per second emerges from within the cave^【6】. The river regime varies according to seasonal changes.

The entrance section of the cave features a wide opening and continues inward through narrowing galleries. Along the cave’s length, galleries, siphons, and narrow passages of varying heights and widths are present. There is an elevation difference of approximately 720 meters between the entrance and the farthest accessible point^【7】. Due to its structural complexity, the entire cave is not accessible for visitation, and only specific sections can be studied.

Pınargözü Cave has attracted the interest of both domestic and international researchers and has been studied under speleological and hydrological research programs. It was introduced to the scientific community through surface investigations conducted by Temuçin Aygen in 1967^【8】. From the 1970s onward, various international teams carried out studies focusing on the cave’s length, active water system, and karstic development processes^【9】.

^{Pınargözü Cave (}Yenişarbademli Municipality⁾

The cave is recognized as a natural asset requiring protection and is managed under controlled use principles due to its environmental sensitivity^【10】. Conservation approaches have been developed to prevent degradation of its natural structure.

Pınargözü Cave is one of the well-known natural formations in the region. However, due to its physical and hydrological characteristics, tourism use is limited. Visits are emphasized to be assessed within the framework of safety and conservation measures^【11】.

Pınargözü Cave is regarded as one of the most significant caves in Türkiye due to its length and active water system. It is recognized in speleological literature as a reference natural formation^【12】.