Darvaza Gas Crater, Silk Road

The Darvaza Gas Crater is one of the most unusual and popular tourist sites in Turkmenistan.  

Like many eccentric natural features found in Central Asia, it was created by Soviet industry when, in 1971, workers attempted to burn off a methane deposit.  It didn't work, and the crater has burned continuously for 50 years.  Now, it usually goes by the name of 'The Gates of Hell', but I prefer the Turkmen term, which translates to 'The Shining of Karakum' - far more evocative.


 

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