Zağ Mağarası

Useful Information

Location:	Merkez, Kuşburnu Köyü Yolu, 12000 Kuşburnu/Bingöl. Bingöl east D300 towards Mus, near Cavuslar turn right to Gokceli then Kuşburnu. After the village the road narrow, at the first turnoff to the right turn right, follow road to the end. 150 m walk. (38.866132, 40.807735)
Open:	no restrictions. [2025]
Fee:	free. [2025]
Classification:	Underground City
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	A=300 m asl.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Zağ Mağarası, Merkez, Kuşburnu Köyü Yolu, 12000 Kuşburnu/Bingöl.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

2003	earthquake damages the caves.

Description

Zağ Mağarası (Zag Cave) is widely used, but it is actually wrong, better is the name Zağ Mağaraları (Zag Caves). It is a number of caves. more than 20, which overlook the lake Aşağı Kaleköy Baraj Gölü. They are located quite remote and difficult to find. And this was intended, like the cave cities of nearby Göreme this was a hideout of Christians. During the Roman Empire the first Christians had to hide in order to live their religion freely but in secret.

Zağ Caves area said to be one of the biggest hidden cities in Anatolia and was inhabited during the 5th century. The city has five stories and 23 rooms, between 5 and 8 on each floor. Passage, which resemble secret passage, connected the levels. The city also has two rock cut cisterns. Other rooms with plaster on the floor and walls are interpreted as storage room for grain.

Unlike the other cities, this one is freely accessible. Archaeological remains have been removed, but the chambers are freely accessible. Unfortunately this also means there is no electric light. We recommend good shoes and do not go alone, leave a return time. This is not a dangerous cave, but a few basic security measures are definitely a good idea.