Video: watson/Emanuella Kälin
December 16, 2025, 7:12 p.mDecember 16, 2025, 7:12 p.m
In the middle of Turkey’s granary, the ground is cracking. In central Anatolia, sinkholes are spreading at an alarming rate. In a comprehensive study, the Turkish Civil Protection Authority (AFAD) mapped a total of 684 of these subsidences.
The provinces of Konya, Karaman and Aksaray are particularly affected. The majority of the so-called sinkholes – a total of 655 – are located on the Konya plain in the province of the same name. It is precisely where a large proportion of Turkish wheat is grown that the risk of further sinkholes is greatest.
Video: watson/Emanuella Kälin
The researchers cite persistent droughts, climate change and the uncontrolled use of groundwater for agricultural irrigation as the causes for the rapidly increasing number of sinkholes.
Although subsidence has been known in the region for centuries, in the last century a sinkhole was only recorded every few years. Scientists are now observing a dramatic acceleration. Last year alone, experts from Konya Technical University documented 42 new sinkholes.
How do sinkholes form?
Sinkholes form due to the slow dissolution of limestone underground or the sudden collapse of cavities. They can be up to 30 meters wide and several hundred meters deep.
With the help of the study, AFAD aims to identify high-risk zones, improve land use planning and take measures to protect lives and property.
(emk)
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