Derweze
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(Redirected from Darvaza)
| Derweze Derweze |
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  Derweze
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| Coordinates: 40°11′N 58°24′E / 40.183°N 58.4°E | |
| Country |  Turkmenistan |
|---|---|
| Province | Ahal Province |
| Population (1989 census) | |
| - Total | 1,683 |
Derweze (Turkmen language: The Gate, also known as Darvaza) is a Turkmenistan village of about 350 inhabitants, located in the middle of the Kara-Kum desert, about 260 km north from Ashgabat.
Darvaza inhabitants are mostly Turkmen of the Teke tribe, preserving a half-nomadic lifestyle.
[edit] The "Door to Hell"
The Derweze area is rich in natural gas. While drilling in 1971 geologists accidentally found an underground cavern filled with natural gas. The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of about 50-100 meters. To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided to burn the gas. As of 2009, gas from the cavern are burning uninterrupted. Locals have named the cavern The Door to Hell.
[edit] See also
- The Door to Hell coordinates: 40°15′8″N 58°26′23″E / 40.25222°N 58.43972°E
- Mine fire
- List of cities, towns and villages in Turkmenistan
[edit] External links
- Photos from the Darvaza Gas Crater or "Gates of Hell"
- Tourist information for Darvaza
- Flaming Crater, Darvaza Turkmenistan 1/6 - Phillips Connor at YouTube
- English-Russia article on the phenomenon
 This Turkmenistan location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
