İncirliin Mağarası

İncirliin Mağarası, is a cave system located within the boundaries of Gökçeler Neighborhood, Milas District, Muğla Province, Türkiye, on the southwest foothills of Manastır Mountain and the northern slope of Gökçeler Canyon. Physically, it is a horizontally developed cave with a total length of approximately 345 meters. The cave system contains various halls and galleries, separated by geological formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and drip pools. The entrance level of the cave is at approximately 0 meters, while its lowest point reaches −7 meters and its highest point reaches +12 meters.

İncirliin Mağarası (Anadolu Ajansı)

Its width varies between 3 and 10 meters, and ceiling height ranges from 2 to 20 meters. During its geological development, the cave evolved into a lattice-like structure due to the influence of fault and fracture systems. Hydrologically situated within the vadose zone, the cave is completely dry; however, during rainy periods, shallow pools form on the floor from water dripping from the ceiling.

Geological and Morphological Features

Some of the dripstone formations within the cave have fossilized, while others continue to develop actively. Geomorphological elements such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and pasta stalactites divide the various halls of the cave. These deposits clearly demonstrate the diversity of stalactite and stalagmite forms present in the cave.

Dripstone Formations

Within the cave, the following types of speleothems are observed:

İncirliin Mağarası (Anadolu Ajansı)

• stalactites,
• stalagmites,
• columns,
• wall draperies of travertine,
• pasta stalactites,
• thin, drapery-like formations,
• fossilized dripstone surfaces,
• active dripping zones.

These types indicate that the cave is divided into distinct zones of humidity and air flow.

Archaeological Findings and Dating

İncirliin Mağarası was officially registered as a First-Degree Archaeological and First-Degree Natural Site on February 27, 2008, under Decision No. 3807. Surface surveys within the cave have uncovered ceramic fragments, animal bones, and stone tools dating to the ancient period. Additionally, scientific excavations and research activities are being conducted in the cave through collaboration between the Milas Museum Directorate and universities.

Studies have determined that İncirliin Mağarası functioned as a settlement or visitation site from the Late Prehistoric period. Research has identified the following within the cave:

İncirliin Mağarası (T.C. Milas Kaymakamlığı)

•        prehistoric ceramic fragments,
•        bone remains,
•        stone tool remnants,
•        various organic residues.

Analysis of these findings indicates that the cave has been intermittently or seasonally used by humans for at least 8,000 years.

Archaeological investigations support the hypothesis that human use of İncirliin Mağarası extends back to the 6th millennium BCE, suggesting a history of approximately 8,000 years. Artifacts recovered from the cave also provide information on space utilization by communities in the Late Prehistoric period of the region.^【1】

Biological Features

In the southwestern section of the cave, an area known as the “Bat Gallery” has been identified. A colony of pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus sp.) has been observed in this zone. The presence of bats highlights the ecological significance of the cave’s internal microclimate for biological diversity.

Cüce Yarasa (T.C. Milas Kaymakamlığı)

Additionally, the cave environment hosts:

• mushroom colonies thriving on moist surfaces,
• small arthropod species adapted to low-light conditions,
• microfauna feeding on organic residues.

Accessible Area and Management Measures

Only 155 meters of the cave have been developed and opened to visitors. In this section:

• walking platforms,
• controlled lighting,
• barriers preventing contact with geological formations are installed. Limiting access to this section aims to prevent damage to archaeological, biological, and geological features.

Tourism-related modifications have been designed to avoid disruption of the cave’s natural microclimate; low-heat lighting and a restricted pathway system serve this purpose.

Scientific Significance

Due to its diverse dripstone formations and multi-gallery structure, İncirliin Mağarası contributes to the understanding of regional karst processes. Archaeologically, the 8,000-year-old findings provide valuable data on the prehistoric cultures of Milas and southwestern Anatolia. Biologically, the bat populations and cave-dwelling microorganisms enhance the ecological importance of the site. Because of these characteristics, the cave is considered a priority area for scientific research.