Kırıkkale Sulu Cave

Sulu Cave is located within the boundaries of Keskin District in Kırıkkale Province, in Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region, at the Arzu Bayırı locality of Altıntaş Village. This cave structure, exhibiting both semi-natural and semi-artificial characteristics, attracts attention from both geological and archaeological perspectives. With a total length of 285 metres, it displays a three-level structure.

The cave is situated in an area containing rock formations from the Pliocene epoch. Sedimentary rocks such as marble, sandstone, and mudstone are prominently observed in the cave’s formation. These geological deposits explain both the natural processes behind the cave’s development and its suitability for human intervention.

^{Image of Kırıkkale Sulu Cave -} Anadolu Agency

Sulu Cave consists of three main galleries:

• Pool Hall: Located on the upper level, this section contains artificial pools approximately two metres deep, formed by water seeping from the ceiling.
• Cupola Gallery: This gallery forms the middle level and is notable for sections expanded by human hands.
• Lower Mine Gallery: Situated on the lower level, this gallery was historically used for mining activities. The entrances to the gallery are walled with stone masonry.

The cave lies within the vadose zone (the area above the groundwater table) and remains largely dry for most of the year. During rainy periods, water seeping from the ceiling contributes to the formation of natural reservoirs inside the cave. These waters are collected in artificial pools, rendering them usable. This feature is the origin of the cave’s name.

According to archaeological findings and structural analyses, Sulu Cave:

• Was used during antiquity for lead mining.
• Served as a temporary settlement and shelter during the early Christian period.
• Had its entrance passages sealed with stone walls appropriate to their time, and internal compartments were shaped accordingly.

These uses demonstrate that the cave is not merely a natural formation but also a cultural structure shaped by human intervention.

The presence of mining traces, water pools, and artificial niches within the cave indicates that the area has been functionally utilized since antiquity. In this regard, Sulu Cave is regarded as a multi-layered cultural heritage site encompassing settlement, production, and defense functions.

^{Image of Kırıkkale Sulu Cave -} Kırıkkale Tourism and Promotion Portal

On 11 July 2013, the cave was officially registered by the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums and opened to the public as an archaeological site under the administration of the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Currently, approximately 115 metres of the cave have been adapted for tourist visits. Walking paths, directional signage, and protective structures have been installed in this area.

In recent years, restoration and environmental improvement works have been carried out to integrate the cave into tourism. These efforts have included the installation of safety measures, lighting systems, and visitor information infrastructure.