| | Nothing like coming late to my own event. Thanks to all of you who have participated in this week's photo challenge.
This week's theme is STORY.
A recent earthquake in central Turkey uncovered an impressive man-made structure burrowing what some archaeologists believe to be several hundred feet into the earth. Because the site is truly unique and experts cannot connect it to as of yet to the architecture of the numerous ancient cultures and civilizations that were both present and influenced Anatolia, expeditions to the structure have been limited. However, these are the first handful of pictures coming out of the newly discovered site.
(c) Colin Nisbet 2008
The above photograph shows a staircase rising up to the opening in the ground. It is believed the steps lead several hundred feet into the earth. However, this cannot be completely confirmed as scientists and archaeologists alike have had minimal time to begin explorations both on their own as well as with the aid of machines and dogs. The use of lighting has been strongly discouraged as it may have deleterious effects on the unique, moss-covered structure. Such caution, while hindering exploration, is key to preserving the site, which archaeologists and historians alike believe can help shed light on ancient cultures in the region.
(c) Colin Nisbet 2008
The slow pace of bringing in proper lighting equipment has not been the only matter which has slowed further research into the history and purpose of this structure. Only one day after discovering the hole and its attendant artifact, some members of the crews located at the Turkish site reported seeing apparitions and hearing voices. While such occurrences have spooked numerous workers and prompted some to quit the location, they have also prompted experts to respond that any sightings are neither supernatural nor otherworldly. Several archaeologists and historians have noted that the discovery of this structure, its origin and age unknown, has caused a surge in superstitious fear among many of the locals.
One such photograph has stirred absolute fear into the hearts of people not only in rural Turkey but also around the world.
(c) Colin Nisbet 2008
Scientists have dismissed the photograph as a hoax while others are skeptical as to whether it really is a ruse. An anonymous source has pointed out that only a few individuals have been allowed to take photographs at the site and these have been highly guarded. The source also pointed out that the site, too, is under heavy guard and surveillance.
"Anybody can manipulate a photograph. Especially a digital photograph. However, our archives have no such similar photograph so the idea that someone placed the image within it is not possible in my mind."
Yuri Abanovsky, is one of the leading archaeologists at the site has stated he knows only of a few photographs taken of the staircase but believes that someone may have "doctored" the picture in order to gain notoriety for themselves. "A person will do anything for fame, even if they are not directly known for it. A person would know in his mind that he did such and would be proud."
However, Abanovsky finds such behavior shameful. On the matter of the authenticity of the photograph, he stated that he believes it is a fake. "One can take several photographs and create a new setting, similar to the originals. This is how I believe they did it."
While some would agree with Abanovsky and others not, he has stated that work at the location must go on and not be hindered by fear of the unknown. "Even if it is not fake, work must still go on. We have a job here." |
| | Posted 8/6/2008 9:09 AM - 50 views - 4 comments
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