In Türkiye, due to its location on the Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt and its complex geological history, intense volcanic activity has occurred in various periods. As a result of this activity, numerous volcanic mountains and structures have formed across the country. Today, while some of these volcanoes are considered active, the vast majority are dormant.
Definition and Distribution of Active Volcanoes
Active volcanoes are generally defined as those that have erupted during the Holocene epoch (approximately the last 10,000 to 12,000 years) and retain the potential to become active again. In Türkiye, approximately 10 to 13 volcanoes meet this criterion and are recognized as active. These volcanoes are predominantly concentrated in Eastern Anatolia, Central Anatolia and the Aegean regions.
Main Active Volcanoes in Türkiye
The principal volcanic centers in Türkiye that have been active during the Holocene and are considered active include:
- Ağrı Dağı: Ağrı Dağı (5137 m), Türkiye’s highest mountain, consists of two main volcanic cones: Büyük Ağrı and Küçük Ağrı. Its last known eruption occurred on 2 July 1840, accompanied by an earthquake and landslide, which triggered a mudflow due to melting snow and caused loss of life. Eruptions are also recorded in 550 BCE and 2450 BCE. A permanent ice cap remains at its summit.
- Nemrut Stratovolcano: Nemrut Dağı (2948 m), located west of Lake Van, features a large caldera (approximately 9x5 km) at its summit containing a caldera lake. Historical records indicate activity in 1441, 1597 and most recently on 13 April 1692. With 26 confirmed eruptions during the Holocene, it is one of Türkiye’s most active volcanoes. Fumarolic and hot spring activity is observed at the base of the caldera.
- Tendürek Volcano: A shield-shaped volcano located in Eastern Anatolia south of Ağrı Dağı. Its last activity occurred in 1855. Sulfur dioxide (H₂S) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas emissions, along with steam from hot springs, continue to emerge from its crater and flanks. The youngest lava flow is approximately 2500 years old.
- Süphan Dağı: Süphan Dağı (4058 m), located north of Lake Van, is a stratovolcano. It is classified by the General Directorate of Mining Research and Exploration (MTA) as “Possibly Active,” although some sources indicate activity as early as 8000 BCE.
- Erciyes Dağı: Erciyes (3916 m), the highest mountain in Central Anatolia and located near Kayseri, is a large stratovolcano. Its last activity is dated to approximately 6880 BCE. Strabo’s work “Geographica” mentions activity at least in a fumarolic phase up to around 2000 years ago. Bronze Age ceramic xenoliths found at Kültepe further support evidence of recent activity.
- Hasandağ Stratovolcano: A double-peaked stratovolcano located between the provinces of Aksaray and Niğde. Activity is dated to between 6750 and 7550 BCE. The Neolithic wall painting at Çatalhöyük is believed to depict an eruption of Hasandağ. Weak fumarolic activity and localized snowmelt during winter have been observed in the summit area.
- Acıgöl-Nevşehir Volcanic Complex: A caldera located near Nevşehir covering an area of approximately 7x8 km. The caldera contains maars, lava domes, lava flows and pyroclastic cones. Thirteen ash layers, dated between 4300 and 11,000 BCE, have been identified in core sediments of the Late Pleistocene Acıgöl maar. Five eruptions during the Holocene have been recorded between 7810 and 2080 BCE.
- Karapınar Volcanic Area: A volcanic field located near the Karapınar district of Konya, containing numerous cinder cones and maars such as Meke Maar. It is estimated to have been active approximately 10,000 years ago.
- Kula Volcanic Area: A group of numerous small volcanic vents, three of which are large, located in the Kula district of Manisa. It was referred to by Strabo as “Katakekaumene” (Burnt Land). Evidence from tephra layers containing human footprints indicates its last activity occurred approximately 4700±700 years ago.
- Göllü Dağı: A mountain located in Niğde and listed among active volcanoes by the General Directorate of Mining Research and Exploration (MTA).
- Karaca Dağ: Volcanic masses bearing this name are found both in Central Anatolia (Konya-Karaman) and Eastern Anatolia (Şanlıurfa-Diyarbakır). The Karacadağ in Eastern Anatolia exhibits a shield-like morphology.
Possibly Active Volcanoes
Volcanoes that may have been active within the last 10,000 years but whose status has not been confirmed are classified as “Possibly Active.” Some volcanoes in this category include:
- Girekol Tepe
- Gölcük
- Kars Plateau
- Süphan Dağı
Inactive Volcanoes and Volcanic Regions
Türkiye contains numerous volcanic mountains and areas that were active in geological periods prior to the Holocene and are now inactive. One of the best-known examples is the Cappadocia region. Cappadocia was shaped by explosive volcanic activity beginning approximately 9 million years ago, resulting in extensive ignimbrite and pyroclastic flow deposits. Erosion of these rocks has produced unique landforms such as “fairy chimneys.”
Impacts and Monitoring of Volcanic Activity
Volcanic activity in Türkiye has played a significant role in shaping the geological structure, forming mineral deposits and generating fertile agricultural soils. Today, many dormant volcanoes exhibit considerable geothermal energy potential in their surrounding areas. Occasional gas and steam emissions from some volcanoes suggest these systems may not be entirely extinct. Therefore, monitoring potentially hazardous volcanoes using modern technologies and preparing for possible threats is essential. In particular, mudflows triggered by snowmelt due to global warming represent one of the risks associated with volcanic mountains.
