By Ephemera documentary
Angelo Chiacchio
Detail of white travertin in Pamukkale (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
In Southern Turkey, mother nature has adorned the local landscape with a “cotton castle.” When translated into Turkish, the site is called Pamukkale.
For years, its snow-white calciferous terraces had been suffering from uncontrolled tourism and commercial exploitation. It would have been lost by now if UNESCO had not intervened.
Hierapolis theatre (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Pamukkale lies on the site of an ancient Roman city called Hierapolis.
Pamukkale hot springs (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The hot springs attract thousands of tourists each year, just as they did when Romans settled here long ago.
Aerial view of Pamukkale pools (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The highlight of Pamukkale’s unique geological landscape is a white travertine formation that covers one side of a mountain.
Pamukkale pools (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Calcium rich water flows down the mountain and evaporates under sunlight.
Sunset in Pamukkale (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
But mass tourism took its toll on the land, as hotels consumed too much of the natural water. The pools became shallow and dirty.
Tourists in Pamukkale (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
In 1988, UNESCO declared Pamukkale a World Heritage Site. Preservation measures included hotel demolition and restricting visitor access to a central path that leads to artificial pools.
Tourists in Pamukkale (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
A barbershop in Pamukkale (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The whole town’s economy is centered around tourism. Only a few shops cater to the needs of the locals.
Local bar in Pamukkale (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
In local bars, you mostly see old men playing cards.
Portrait of Turkish agricultural worker (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The only other economic activity is agriculture. Those who do not work in the local tourism industry, spend their days cultivating cotton, figs or tobacco.
Detail of white travertin in Pamukkale (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Conclusion
Pamukkale is a great example of how tourism can be designed to promote preservation. As this natural wonder recovers from misuse, it can serve as a model for preserving the world’s most fragile places.
Terra by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
This story was created with the support of Art Works for Change, a nonprofit organization that creates contemporary art exhibitions and storytelling projects to address critical social and environmental issues.
Written, shot and produced by Angelo Chiacchio
Copy editing: Al Grumet, Rajesh Fotedar
With the support of: Google Arts & Culture, Art Works for Change
Thanks to: The whole staff of Kale Hotel and Özzencir Turizm.
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