THERMAL LIFE IN TURKEY

Pamukkale

At Pamukkale ("Cotton Castle") nature has produced a sight of spectacular beauty. For thousands of years an underground spring located deep in the earth has been pouring out streams of hot mineral-saturated water. As it has flowed down the mountainside the steaming water has hollowed enormous circular basins in the earth, and their rich mineral content has coated them in a smooth layer of dazzlingly-white calcareous rock. To the ancients such beauty, could only, mean that the place was holy to the gods. Built near the natural hot springs, the grand city of Hierapolis attracted a steady stream of pilgrims, who came to bathe in the curative waters. Pamukkale is located 250 km from İzmir and 20 km from Denizli.

Capacity

The Pamukkale hot springs flow at a rate of 400 litres per second. The facilities can accommodate about 50,000 bath-days and 50,000 beds on the basis of 600 people/day/bath.

Physio-chemical characteristics and indications

The mineral-rich Pamukkale hot springs are composed of calcium-magnesium sulphate and bicarbonate. They contain carbon dioxide and have a radioactive content of 1,537 picokuri/litre or 56 bekerel/litre). Water temperature is 36 to 38 oC with a pH of 6. Total mineral content is 2,430 mg/lt. The waters are used both for drinking and bathing. They, are recommended for the treatment of rheumatic, dermatological and gynaecological diseases, neurological and physical exhaustion, digestive maladies and nutrition disorders.

Treatments and accommodations

Throughout history, Pamukkale has been a famous spa, with both baths and open pools set into the snow-white cliffs. Bath treatments take place in natural pools developed around the main hot springs. Hot mineral water spas have been opened at a number of new, and very comfortable hotels in the area. Total capacity, is 4,000 beds.