The Doorway to Hell and the Mystery of Turkmenistan’s Burning Crater

In the heart of Turkmenistan, in the Karakum Desert, lies one of the world’s most mysterious places – the Darvaza Crater, also known as the “Doorway to Hell.” This massive sinkhole has been continuously burning for over 50 years. Despite the fact that it has been on fire for decades, the exact cause of the fire remains unclear. Some believe the fire was intentionally set by Soviet authorities, while others suggest that it was an accident or a natural occurrence.

The crater is a man-made structure that was formed in 1971 during a Soviet drilling operation. The Soviet geologists were drilling for natural gas when the ground beneath them collapsed, exposing a vast reservoir of methane. To prevent the spread of dangerous gases, they allegedly set the crater on fire, hoping it would burn out in a few weeks. However, the fire has continued to burn ever since, with no sign of stopping.

There are different theories about how the fire began. Some believe the crater was formed in the 1960s and began bubbling with gas until it was accidentally ignited in the 1980s. Others insist that the fire was started on purpose as part of a natural gas extraction technique known as flaring, which is common in the industry. The aim of flaring is to burn off excess gas for safety reasons.

Over the years, the Darvaza Crater has become a popular tourist attraction, despite its eerie, fiery appearance. Tourists flock to see the so-called “Doorway to Hell,” drawn to its surreal beauty and the mystery surrounding its origin. The Turkmen government, which initially considered extinguishing the flames, has since embraced the crater as a tourist destination. However, its environmental impact remains a concern, as the release of methane gas contributes to global warming.

In online discussions, some people have suggested ways to put out the fire, while others admire its beauty, especially when viewed at night. Some even joke that it’s the perfect gas stove. Despite the fascination it inspires, the Darvaza Crater remains an unexplained phenomenon, with its flames continuing to blaze in the middle of the desert, offering a glimpse into a world that seems both otherworldly and real.