Turkmenistan Launches Initiative to Nominate Mud Volcanoes for UNESCO World Heritage Status

Turkmenistan has embarked on a major project to study and document its exceptional geological landmarks, with a particular focus on the ancient mud volcanoes along the western Caspian Sea coast. 

The initiative aims to gather the scientific and cultural data needed to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for these extraordinary formations, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia. 

The first field expedition, held recently, included members of the Turkmenistan National Commission for UNESCO, along with a team of biologists, geographers, and geologists from various scientific institutions. The team spent several days surveying mud volcanoes in the Esenguly district of the Balkan region, carefully documenting their findings through photography and soil sampling. They examined active, dormant, and extinct volcanoes, noting that although the volcanic activity has diminished over time, many of these sites remain geologically active.

Among the standout formations explored during the expedition were the Akpatlavuk and Gokpatlavuk mud volcanoes. Akpatlavuk, located on a hill along the southern Caspian coast, is known for its large dome structure and numerous mud outcrops, with deep channels carved by flowing streams. At the base of the volcano, an expansive mud lake adds to the stunning landscape. Meanwhile, Gokpatlavuk, which rises 70 meters above the northern plains near Ekerem, features steep, eroded slopes and gullies through which streams of carbonated mud flow steadily, creating dramatic visual displays of nature’s power.

This project marks an important step toward preserving and promoting Turkmenistan's unique geological heritage, with hopes of securing global recognition for these fascinating natural wonders.

The nomination process will require updated imagery and refreshed data to supplement the national atlas of mud volcanoes. As part of their preparation, researchers will review studies conducted by Azerbaijani scientists in the 1970s, given that the mud volcanoes of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Iran form an interconnected geological complex representing nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes.