Darvaza
Derweze (from Persian: دروازه, literally "gate"; also known as Darvaza) is a village in Turkmenistan of about 350 inhabitants, located in the middle of the Karakum Desert, about 260 km north of Ashgabat.
Derweze | |
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![]() ![]() Derweze Location in Turkmenistan | |
Coordinates: 40°15′09.48″N 58°26′21.93″E | |
Country | ![]() |
Province | Ahal Province |
Population (1989 census) | |
• Total | 1,683 |
Darvaza inhabitants are mostly Turkmen of the Teke tribe, preserving a semi-nomadic lifestyle. In 2004 the village was disbanded following the order of the President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, because "it was an unpleasant sight for tourists."
Darvaza gas crater
![](../I/m/Darvasa_gas_crater_panorama.jpg)
![](../I/m/Turquoise_Lake_Crater_-_Turkmenistan%2C_Darvaza_-_panoramio.jpg)
The Derweze area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas.[1][2] The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 metres (230 ft) at 40°15′10″N 58°26′22″E. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn off the gas,[3] and while geologists had hoped the fire would consume the fuel in a few days, the gas is still burning nearly fifty years later.
Locals have named the crater the "Door to Hell".[4]
See also
References
- Kressmann, Jeremy (2008-03-25). "Turkmenistan's "Door to Hell"". Gadling.com. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
- https://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/turkmenistan-has-its-very-own-gate-to-hell
- "Darvaz: The Door to Hell". English Russia. 2008-03-25. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
- "The Burning Gas Door to Hell in Darvaza, Turkmenistan". Yourenotfromaroundhere.com. 2012-07-31. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Derweze. |