| Pamukkale, meaning "cotton
castle" in Turkish, is a natural site formed from tectonic
movements, which gave rise to the emergence of a number of
very hot springs. It is the water from one of these springs,
with its large mineral content, chalk in particular, that
created Pamukkale. Apart from some radioactive material, the
water contains large amounts of hydrogen carbonate and calcium,
which leads to the precipitation of calcium carbonate. The
effect of this natural phenomenon leaves thick white layers
of limestone and travertine cascading down the mountain slope,
making the area look like a fortress of cotton or a frozen
waterfall. Pamukkale is a very famous tourist attraction and
is a World Heritage Site.
Hierapolis, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the ancient
city on top of Pamukkale. As the hot springs of Pamukkale
were used as a spa since the 2nd century B.C., people came
to sooth their ailings here. Many of them retired and died
here. The large cemetery area covered with many sarcophagus
is thus known as a Necropolis.
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