Derweze
| Derweze | |
|---|---|
 Derweze
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| Coordinates: Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. | |
| Country |  Turkmenistan |
| Province | Ahal Province |
| Population (1989 census) | |
| • Total | 1,683 |
Derweze (Persian: The Gate, also known as Darvaza) is a village in Turkmenistan of about 350 inhabitants, located in the middle of the Karakum Desert, about 260 km north from Ashgabat.
Darvaza inhabitants are mostly Turkmen of the Teke tribe, preserving a semi-nomadic lifestyle. In 2004 the village was disbanded following the order of the President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, because "it was an unpleasant sight for tourists."
Door to Hell gas deposit
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The Derweze area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas.[1] The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 metres (230 ft) at Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided the best solution was to burn it off.[2] Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. Locals have dubbed the cavern "The Door to Hell".[3]
See also
- Mine fire
- List of cities, towns and villages in Turkmenistan
- Gates of hell
- Energy policy of the Soviet Union
- Sidoarjo mud flow
- Eternal Flame Falls
References
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Derweze. |
- Daily Mail article with photos
- Photos from the Darvaza Gas Crater or "Gates of Hell"
- Tourist information for Darvaza
- Pictures and YouTube link
- Au bord du cratère de Darvaza
- Interactive forum about the Darwaza Well
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