Turkish Cave Research Association

"Turkish Cave Research Association" has been established on April 1964.

Activities has been carried under basic principles and aims such as general research, classification, scientific studies and touristic visits. Between the years 1964 - 1980 while representation of Turkey has been made at the international speleology platforms, also research activities has been undertaken with the French, Italian and English. In the meantime, as the Association we have participated in the activities carried at Cennet, Cehennem, Insuyu, Narlikuyu, Damlatas and Yalandünya caves to be opened to tourism. After 1980, researches were made with more weight given to the sports Side of caving. During this term, more than fifty caves have been taken under research, Maps have been prepared and the majority of these researches and activities has been published in the Association's bulletin. Furthermore, these activities have been made public through the exhibitions and meeting, conferences and with this aim, together with the Turkish Radio Television-TRT - Documentary of the Turkish Caves; Altinbesik, Indere, Tulumtas caves documentary programmes has been prepared. Right now, activities are being carried at the Central Taurus mountain region range.

Directorate of the Institute of Mineral Research

The Cave Research Project, operating since 1979 under the Directorate of the Institute of Mineral Research (M.T.A.), has completed the study of 150 caves of various sizes, despite shortages in personnel and equipment. The goal of the project is to determine the economical potential of caves rather than discovering the largest ones. The other aim is to form an inventory of Turkish caves. In accordance with the goals mentioned above, most of the research is concentrated in touristical areas or in karstic regions affected by water shortage.

Bosphorus University, Cave Research Club (BUMAK)

is a club formed by the students of the university. Activities are pursued on both sportive and scientific aspects of speleology for over 16 years. Though their study focuses mostly on the Zonguldak - Kastamonu region. They are also exploring and surveying caves in other regions of Turkey. Until now, over 80 unknown caves are explored.