Todurge Rock Caves & Lake The village once known as Todurge, now renamed Demiryurt, is located within the Zara district of Sivas province. It is well known for the scenic lake that bears the same name, a favored destination for visitors exploring the region of Sivas. Positioned on the steep northern slopes of the village are the fascinating Todurge rock shelters, intricately carved into the natural rock formations. More than 100 of these cave dwellings, admired for their unique charm, were formed by excavating them side-by-side and in layers. Spread throughout small, separated areas, these rock-cut caves reflect remarkable stone craftsmanship and historical ingenuity. In certain sections, the walls of these caves are reinforced with stones and a special mortar known as Khorasan cement, and they also feature small observation openings. The origins of the Tödürge village caves trace back to the Iron Age (1200–750 BC). Some of the caves display a cross symbol, suggesting they were used during the early clandestine phases of Christianity in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. The picturesque Tödürge Lake was formed through ancient volcanic processes and has become a haven for birds, especially those that prey on fish. Spanning approximately 5 square kilometers, the lake is located at an altitude of 1295 meters above sea level. While its average depth ranges between 2 and 3 meters, its deepest point reaches 44.5 meters. Fed by underground springs and regional freshwater sources, the mineral-laden waters of Tödürge Lake support a thriving aquatic ecosystem that includes 17 species of fish. During the hot summer months, locals from the Zara district flock to the lake to swim and cool down. The lake also attracts a variety of bird species, such as the Crested Grebe, Crimson-Necked Grebe, Stork, Angut, Blackbird, Sea Eagle, Sedge Borer, Crane, Stilt, Red-Legged Tern, Hungarian Duck, and the Yellow-Headed Wagtail. If you have any questions or would like further details about the Todurge Rock Caves & Lake, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply message us via WhatsApp. We’ll be happy to assist you as soon as possible.