Abstract: This study aims to establish a geological heritage (geosite) inventory for Adıyaman Province and to evaluate the geotourism potential of this heritage. Within the scope of the study, geosites through out the province were systematically cataloged based on the ProGEO (1998) and Kazancı et al. (2015) classifications, their geographical distribution was mapped, and they were categorised according to their scientific, educational, and visual/aestheticvalues. Adıyaman is located on complex tectonic structures of the Bitlis-Zagros Orogeny, formed by the collision ofthe African, Arabian, and Eurasian plates. This geological history has led to the emergence of numerous geological heritage features with national and international importance. The findings reveal that despite its geographically small area, Adıyaman possesses extraordinary geodiversity. This rich accumulation of geological and natural assets indicates that the region holds significant, yet untapped, geotourism potential. In particular, integrating the identified geological heritage with the archaeological wealth of Mount Nemrut offers a strategic opportunity for sustainable regional development. However, anthropogenic threats such as quarrying, vandalism, and legal gaps endangerthis heritage. The study proposes comprehensive geo conservation and geotourism strategies against these threats, including site protection, buffer zone establishment, local employment, development of thematic georoutes, and the  establishment of a UNESCO global geopark. In conclusion, interdisciplinary cooperation, scientific research, andenhancing public awareness are crucial for the sustainable conservation of Adıyaman`s geological heritage and its transformation in to regional development through geotourism.

Abstract: The Adana Basin is located between the Taurid Mountains to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to thesouth, the Ecemiş Fault to the west, and the Amanos Mountains to the east. The basin is an important geologicallaboratory with remarkable tectonic, stratigraphic, and morphological features, and contains numerous geologicalheritage elements. This study evaluated the geological heritage value and geotourism potential of Kapıkaya Canyon,one of the important geological and geomorphological formations of the Adana Basin. Kapıkaya Canyon is locatedon the Çakıt Stream of the Seyhan River, a major stream in Çukurova. The canyon is 72 kilometres from Adanaprovince and 5 kilometres from the district of Karaisalı. It is located between Yerköprü, a prominent karst featurewithin the study area that provides observable groundwater flow typical of karst systems in Turkey, and KapıkayaVillage in the Karaisalı district. The canyon has an elevation of 200 meters and a length of 7 kilometres. Along thecanyon route, Paleozoic and Mesozoic units, which form the basement of the Adana Basin, as well as Cenozoic units,are exposed. Subparallel faults oriented in a north–south direction are observed along the Çakıt Valley, placing the geological units in tectonic contact. Geostations containing sedimentary rocks, faults, folds, and fossils, importantfor geoscience education, were identified throughout the canyon. The canyon also boasts waterfalls and hydropowerplants. Its biodiversity is notable for its natural flora and fauna, including monumental trees. Castles, bridges,and inns are cultural assets in the canyon`s vicinity. Geotourism potential includes nature observation and hiking,mountaineering, rock climbing, paragliding, canyoning, camping, nature photography, and visiting cultural heritagesites. The canyon still has the status of a "Sensitive Area to be Strictly Protected".

Abstract: Geosites encompass natural elements that represent geological / geomorphological events, processes,and features extending from the past to the present, including fossil assemblages, minerals, rocks, structuralcomponents, and landforms. They also include cultural elements such as ancient quarries, water channels, androck dwellings. Geological heritage (geoheritage) consists of geological-geomorphological formations that possesssignificant scientific, educational, and landscape value and must be preserved against natural / anthropogenicthreats through a sustainable approach.Within the borders of Uşak province, which has a surface area of approximately 5,341 km², there are natural andcultural geosites that have geoheritage value and represent significant potential for the development of geotourism.Elements with geosite potential in Uşak province, including faults, fault scarps, plant and vertebrate fossil deposits,skarn zones, and alteration zones, were identified. In addition, landforms identified during fieldwork—namelytravertines, travertine cones, dacite columns, fairy chimneys, canyon valleys, intra-valley bed depressions, badland topography, and erosion- and deposition-derived karstic forms—were examined, classified as geosites, and theirmorphological and geological characteristics were described. Uşak province hosts not only a diversity of geositesformed by natural processes but also a variety derived from cultural and historical heritage. In this context, culturalgeosites such as ancient water channels, ancient roads, ancient quarries, rock tombs, mounds (höyüks), tumuli, androck (cave) settlements were identified and their characteristics detailed.According to ProGEO`s geosite classification, the identification of a total of 64 geosites from seven differentclasses in the research area demonstrates that Uşak province possesses a rich natural and cultural heritage potentialfrom geological, geomorphological, and geoarchaeological perspectives.

Abstract: Travertine formations represent a significant component of geological heritage due to their scientific,educational, aesthetic, and geotourism value. Globally, such structures are protected for their rarity and ecologicalimportance. In Türkiye, travertine deposits are widespread, with 16 distinct localities identified in Sivas and itssurroundings. However, extensive quarrying activities threaten the preservation of these natural features, leading torapid depletion and irreversible destruction.The Delikkaya travertine field (Yıldızeli–Sivas) is of particular importance, hosting four ridge-type travertines.Geochronological data indicate that formation commenced approximately 15.1 (±0.5) ka in the Upper Pleistoceneand was completed 11.4 (±0.7) ka later, corresponding to the Greenlandian stage. The NNW–SSE-trending ridgetype travertine includes a natural travertine bridge, formed through stream erosion and block disintegration, whichis large enough to permit passage both above and below.Preservation of the Delikkaya Travertine Bridge and its surrounding travertine field is essential to safeguardgeological heritage and to promote regional geotourism potential. Registration of this site as a geosite would not only ensure its protection for future generations but also contribute to scientific research, educational development,and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Abstract: Geomorphotourism is a type of alternative tourism that utilizes the specific potential of areas / unitsthat differ in lithological and geomorphological formation, development processes, and morphological appearance,and whose relief is rare, unique, and intriguing. Türkiye, due to its geomorphological diversity, hosts numerousgeosites, geomorphosites, geoparks, geoheritage elements, and geomorphotourism resources. This study examinesgeomorphotourism potential of travertine cones and other geomorphological elements around Lake Bolluk, locatedsouth of Cihanbeyli (Konya) in the Central Anatolia Region. Geomorphosites in the study area were identified usingcartographic data, satellite imagery, orthophotos, and field observations. These elements were then evaluated in  terms of geomorphotourism potential using the Geomorphosite Assessment Criteria (GEC). Travertine cones, tufadeposits, dolines, travertine channels, micromounds, paludal deposits, Lake Bolluk and salt pans in the study areawere defined as geomorphosites. Travertine cones, formed under geomorphological, climatological, and edaphicconditions due to karstification, tectonism, mineral springs, and other factors, are concentrated particularly in thenorth and east of Lake Bolluk. The 64 cones vary in type, morphometric characteristics, morphological appearance,hydrographic status, and extent of damage. Travertine channels, tufa deposits, microhumps, and paludal depositsare considered rare geomorphosites formed by the same factors and processes in the region. According to theGEC analysis, travertine cones have the highest overall mean (0.61). Following the travertine cones in termsof geomorphotourism potential are travertine channels (0.56), dolines (0.55), tufa deposits (0.54), Lake Bolluk(0.54), microhumps and paludal deposits (0.48), and salt pans (0.46). The overall geomorphotourism mean for allgeomorphosites was 0.53, while the scientific value mean was 0.64, the secondary value mean was 0.51, and theusage potential mean was 0.44. The findings indicate that the study area has a high potential in terms of geologicaland geomorphological representation, aesthetics, and scientific dimensions, and that significant shortcomings,however, exist in areas such as promotion, services, and transportation. Planning is necessary to protect these raregeomorphosites and facilitate their inclusion in alternative tourism.

Abstract: The Otlukbeli Travertines, located in the Otlukbeli district of Erzincan Province in Eastern Anatolia,constitute one of the most distinctive and geologically rare travertine formations in Türkiye. These travertinesare terrestrial carbonates with distinct geomorphological features, formed by Fe-oxide-rich mineralized watersemerging along fractures and faults under the influence of active tectonics in the region. In the study area, theseterrestrial carbonate deposits are observed as travertine cones, ridge-type travertines, and slope travertines. While inactive travertine ridges and cones are widely observed in the field, there are also ongoing deposits of activecarbonate precipitates.In this study, approximately 60 travertine cones and 15 travertine ridges were described in detail. The measuredtravertine cones and ridges were evaluated within a geographic information system, and the geomorphological andgeological characteristics of the travertines were mapped at high resolution. From a sedimentological perspective, thisstudy presents, for the first time, the depositional systems and lithotypes of these terrestrial carbonates. Accordingly,laminated, crystalline crust, gas bubbles and paper-thin rafts are the mainly lithotypes observed within these threedifferent travertine systems. Travertine pools and terracettes are commonly observed on the slope travertine.Petrographic analyses also revealed trace amounts of Fe-oxide/oxyhydroxide minerals in these travertines.The Otlukbeli Travertines are geological formations of considerable importance in terms of geological andcultural heritage criteria. Their rarity, scientific research potential, and value for education and geotourism make theOtlukbeli Travertines an important geosite that requires protection. The preservation of these unique occurrences,the promotion of scientific studies, and their evaluation within the scope of sustainable geotourism are essential.

Abstract: This study aims to examine the formation mechanisms of fairy chimneys located within the boundaries ofEşme district (Uşak province) through a multilayered geological and geomorphological approach. Unlike classicalexamples that typically develop in volcanic tuffs, the fairy chimneys in the study area formed through the interactionof lithological heterogeneity, differential weathering, and surface runoff erosion processes acting on weaklyconsolidated alluvial and colluvial deposits derived from fluvial sedimentation.The local deposits are characterised by alternating layers of conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, and partiallyclaystone. The presence of relatively resistant zones within these sedimentary rocks constitutes one of the primarylithological controls on fairy-chimney development. Linear erosion along steep slopes, generated by the drainage network, accelerates selective erosion of the less resistant rocks; consequently, columnar structures develop beneatha protective cap layer due to contrasting erosion rates.In this study, field-based morphological observations, sedimentological features, slope and profilemeasurements, and DEM-supported morphometric analyses were integrated to reveal the formation processesfrom multiple perspectives. The findings indicate that these fairy chimneys represent geodiversity elements that aremorphogenetically unique and directly governed by local lithology.The scientific interpretability, educational potential, aesthetic quality, and landscape integrity of these landformsrender them not only geomorphological features but also geological heritage elements that merit protection andpromotion within the framework of geotourism. The fairy-chimney formations identified in the Uşak–Eşme regionare a valuable contribution to the inventory of such landforms in Türkiye. The study also recommends the evaluationof these features within sustainable geotourism policies.

Abstract: The Erenlerdağ–Alacadağ Volcanic Complex (ErAVC), located in southwest Konya (Central Anatolia),represents a Neogene-aged volcanic unit covering approximately 1500 km². The EAVC is composed of volcanicproducts that range in composition from mafic to felsic, including lava domes, lava flows, pyroclastic fall and flowdeposits, and subvolcanic intrusions such as dikes and plugs. The present study aims to identify and characterizerepresentative volcanic geosites within the ErAVC, assess their geoheritage value, and discuss their potential forgeotourism and educational development in the context of Central Anatolian Volcanic Geoheritage.Volcanic facies analysis reveals a wide range of eruptive behaviors, from the development of lava domes and lavaflows and the formation of dacitic spine structures to ignimbrite-forming explosive volcanism and complex volcanosedimentary processes, expressed across facies ranging from central/proximal to distal settings. In the proximal andmedial facies, dacitic–andesitic lava flows, domes, their pyroclastic equivalents, and ignimbrite sequences displayfeatures indicative of multi-stage magma mixing, recharge events, and decompression-driven processes. Distalfacies are characterized by tuff horizons, widespread ignimbrite, and sedimentary units, which clearly reflect thesynchronous development of volcanic and sedimentary processes. These well-preserved successions provide rare andvaluable archives for reconstructing eruption dynamics and magma chamber evolution in continental arc settings.The distribution of volcanic facies in the ErAVC documents a pronounced geomorphological contrast between highrelief areas associated with lava domes and lava flows, and lower-relief zones dominated by ignimbrites, tuff layers,and volcano-sedimentary units.Highly porous ignimbrites and tuff horizons in the medial-distal facies have facilitated settlement and constructionactivities throughout history, as exemplified by the rock-carved dwellings of the ancient city of Kilistra. The ancientsettlement of Kilistra, located within the boundaries of the Erenlerdağ–Alacadağ Volcanic Complex (ErAVC),represents one of the rare geo-cultural heritage sites where volcanological, geomorphological, and archaeologicalcomponents are integrated. The Late Hittite-period Fasıllar Monument, built upon resistant dacitic–andesitic lavaflows, stands as a striking example of the integration of volcanic lithologies in to the cultural landscape.In conclusion, the ErAVC is one of the most significant geosites in Central Anatolia, offering substantial potentialfor geoconservation, geoeducation, and sustainable geotourism. The region`s geological diversity and cultural assetsserve as an "open-air laboratory" for multidisciplinary research and community engagement. 

Abstract: Türkiye hosts numerous geological formations that qualify as natural monuments, commonly referredto as geological heritage sites. These sites represent exceptional examples of key stages in Earth history, includingactive geological processes, distinctive geomorphological features, and significant physiographical characteristics. Within this framework, this study presents the Ice Cave, a lava tube developed within basaltic lava flows on MountAğrı volcano, as an important geological heritage site.The Ice Cave is a non-renewable natural lava tube distinguished by well-preserved volcanic morphology and recording aspects of the volcanic and geomorphological evolution of the region. The cave was documented through detailed cave surveying and mapping, supported by microclimatic and gas measurements conducted withina geological heritage assessment framework. The Ice Cave represents the first lava tube on Mount Ağrı volcano to besystematically surveyed and mapped in detail.The geological, morphological, and microclimatic characteristics of the Ice Cave indicate strong potentialfor scientific research, geoscience education, and sustainable geotourism as a complementary activity to existing mountaineering tourism in the region. Furthermore, the results suggest that similar investigations on Mount Ağrı and surroundings may reveal additional lava tubes, contributing both to scientific understanding and to the sustainable management of Türkiye`s volcanic geological heritage.

Abstract: Mythological narratives have played a significant role in shaping the lives and worldviews of societiesthroughout history. While many of these narratives originate from religious traditions, natural phenomena resultingfrom geological processes constitute another important source. In their attempts to explain extraordinary eventsin nature, communities often merged these occurrences with legends, thereby transforming them in to mythologicalaccounts. Some of these accounts serve as valuable references for contemporary research, particularly inunderstanding past catastrophic events such as volcanic eruptions, floods, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Mythologicalstories in which geology and legend are interwoven are defined as geomythology, whereas geosites with pronouncedgeomythological characteristics are referred to as geomythosites. When the cultural and historical wealth of asociety converges with the geological and geomorphological richness of its landscape, the influence of the earthsciences within its mythological traditions becomes inevitable. This study seeks to elaborate on the relationshipbetween geology and mythology by presenting ten geomythosites from different regions of Turkey, where culturalheritage and geological phenomena intersect.

Abstract: Geological heritage elements, consisting of geomorphological structures, minerals, rocks, and fossils, areused in uncovering the Earth`s past, identifying and mitigating natural hazards, and investigating global issues suchas adaptation to climate change. The protection and promotion of these structures, called geosites, is supported by UNESCO and other international institutions. Bursa, one of Türkiye`s major centers of culture, winter sports, and tourism, together with its surrounding area, contains numerous geological and geomorphological features of significant geoheritage value and geotourism potential. Bursa`s geological framework was shaped by the İzmir-Ankara suture zone, which formed as a resultof the subduction of the Tethys Ocean between the Sakarya Zone of the Pontides and the Tavşanlı Zone of the Anatolide-Tauride Block. Uludağ, often mistakenly regarded as volcanic, instead represents a classic metamorphic core complex (the Uludağ Massif), composed predominantly of gneiss, amphibolite, and marble. The principal geosites identified in Bursa Province include the Paşalar Mammal Fossil Bed, notable for its unique Middle Miocene fauna; the Kocasu Delta and the Karacabey Longozu (flooded forest), recognized as an important bird area; Lakes İznik and Uluabat, distinguished by their exceptional limnological and tectonic histories; andthe type locality of the mineral bursaite. Additional sites of mineralogical significance comprise the distinctive purple jadeite formations and the Uludağ scheelite deposit. The province also hosts numerous geomorphological features, including canyons (Sadağı, Fevziye, Sansarak, Tacir, and Yarhisar), waterfalls (notably Suuçtu Waterfall), and caves (Ayvaini, Oylat, Koca, Ayıini, and Gavurini). High-altitude areas of Uludağ display well developed periglacial features, glacial lakes, and tor structures formed in granite. Coal-bearing Mioceneunits are also wide spread within the Harmancık, Keles, Orhaneli, Mustafakemalpaşa, and İnegöl basins.This study draws on the outcomes of the Geological Heritage of Bursa Workshop held in 2023 and seeks to promote the protection and sustainable use of areas characterized by a rich and diverse geological heritage.