Mount Ararat's Mysterious Trace
Located within the borders of Iğdır, on the northern slopes of Mount Ararat, this natural wonder, also known as the "Korhan Meteor Crater," is one of the city's most interesting geological formations waiting to be discovered. (Note: This area is often confused with the other meteor crater located in Doğubayazıt, Ağrı, near the Iranian border, which is known as the "second largest after Alaska"; however, the Korhan Crater is a distinct formation directly facing the Iğdır plain.)
Location and Unique Landscape
The crater is located within the borders of the Aralık district of Iğdır, on the historical Korhan Plateau in the Mount Ararat National Park region at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters. One of the most fascinating features of its location is the panoramic view it offers; visitors who come up here have the opportunity to see a bird's-eye view of Armenia, Nakhchivan, and Iran simultaneously on a clear day. The asphalt road extending right next to the crater makes access quite easy.
Physical Characteristics and Formation
While its depth reached 60 meters in the past, it has been filled over time with soil, stones, and alluvium carried by rainwater and wind. Today, it has a wide diameter and a depth of approximately 30 to 45 meters.
There are two main views regarding its formation:
Meteorite Impact: According to the local people and some historical records, it is believed to have been formed as a result of a large meteorite violently striking this region around 1892. This legendary and historical narrative gave the crater its current name, "Meteor Crater."
Geological Sinkhole (Obruk/Crater): Some geologists and experts, pointing out the volcanic past of Mount Ararat and the karstic structure of the region, argue that this giant hollow might actually be a "sinkhole" formed by the collapse of underground caves or a crater from a volcanic gas explosion.
Tourism Potential and Surroundings
This is not just a gigantic soil hollow, but also one of the places where the Mount Ararat ecosystem can be observed most vividly. In the spring and summer months, the area surrounding the crater is covered with endemic mountain flowers that grow in only a few rare regions of the world, turning into a complete riot of colors.
The Korhan Plateau, where the crater is located, is a historical center in itself. There are traces of old settlements, historical cemeteries, and castle ruins around the plateau. Today, this area—where various infrastructure and promotional efforts are being carried out by the Iğdır Governorate to boost tourism—is a wonderful route for nature photographers, campers, and travelers interested in mysterious natural phenomena.