Page 14 - NIRVANA OF NATURE ANTALYA

Karstic Caves and

Cave Life

The geological formation process of the Taurus and mans inhabited these caves for thousands of years due to
Beydağları Mountains has played a significant role in the region's rich biodiversity and water resources, ma-
the creation of karstic caves. These natural formations king them among the first human shelters. These caves
are sculpted by water and chemical interactions un- were utilized for various activities such as shelter and
derground, primarily eroding soluble rocks like limes- hunting. For instance, Karain Cave served as a home for
tone. humans 500,000 years ago. Artifacts discovered in the
cave include stone and bone tools and weapons, needles,
Karstic caves in the Taurus Mountains are typically and decorative items. The human, deer, and ibex cave
found in deep valleys, beneath high plateaus, or at the paintings in Beldibi Cave date back to 10,000-12,000
foot of mountains. These caves are crucial ecosystems years ago. These are considered the first cave paintings
that provide groundwater resources and shelter for wild- in Türkiye.
life. They may also harbor archaeological and prehisto-
ric remains, as humans have historically used some of Antalya Museum showcases a diverse collection of
these caves for shelter. significant artifacts unearthed during cave excavations,
shedding light on prehistoric human life. These artifacts
Karain Cave in the north of Antalya and Beldibi Cave include tools, weapons, ornaments, food remains, and
in the west serve as excellent examples for tracing the human and animal fossils.
prehistoric footprints of humans. It is known that hu-

DNA DOĞANIN NİRVANASI ANTALYA 15