Buzz
Flames that burn incessantly from year to year have become a symbol of the gateway to hell, both in legend and Hollywood movies. Let's explore with ASIA right away!
The Gates of Hell in Derweze, Turkmenistan
This colossal fire pit lies in the Karakum Desert, central Turkmenistan. It emerged in 1971 when Russian geologists drilled for oil in the area. The drilling rig suddenly collapsed, swallowing all equipment into a 70m deep hole. They decided to ignite the spilled oil to prevent an explosion. The flame has persisted ever since.
The 'Gateway to Hell' is nestled in a small village with a population of only about 350 people. To reach here, travelers must traverse a distance of approximately 260 km without encountering a soul.
'Fire Mountain' at Yanar Dag, Azerbaijan
According to legend, Yanar Dag (meaning 'Burning Mountain') is a hill with continuous gas emissions from the ground, accidentally ignited by a shepherd around 1950. Today, the flames on the hill can reach up to 3 m high. Tourists can observe this place from the capital, Baku. Local residents often bathe in the hot springs on the hillside. The mysterious light at night attracts many followers of Zoroastrianism for rituals.
'Firestone' at Yanartaş, Turkey
Just outside the resort area of Antalya, in the Olympos Valley, fissures on the treacherous mountain spew forth flames. Evening is the ideal time to admire the flickering lights from the scattered small craters all over the mountain.
'Fire of the Apocalypse' at Baba Gurgur, Iraq
This fire pit has been burning continuously for thousands of years, believed to be the inferno mentioned in the Old Testament. Women often come here to pray for the flames to bless them with sons. Tourists can visit the nearby city of Kirkuk, with remnants of a 5,000-year-old civilization.
Ateshgah Temple, Baku, Azerbaijan
Located not far from the heart of Baku, stands a stone temple built in the 17th century with a flame that has been burning almost continuously since then. The flame was once fueled by a natural gas pocket right beneath the temple. However, after this area was excavated for oil, the flame went out in 1969. Since then, industrial gas has been used as a replacement.
Posted by: Thành Nguyễn Lai
Keywords: Eternal flames in Asia
The temple houses a centuries-old flame that has captivated visitors for generations. Originally fueled by a natural gas reserve, this perpetual flame has been a symbol of both natural wonder and human ingenuity. Despite its initial source being depleted, the flame now burns on, powered by modern industrial gas, a testament to the enduring spirit of this historic site.
