Geomyths of Tunceli, Eastern Türkiye

Abstract Tunceli province, situated in Eastern Türkiye, possesses a unique sociocultural identity despite its relatively small population of ninety thousand. The local legends were compiled by the Tunceli Governorship and the Fırat Development Agency, along with verification from other sources. This study investigates geomyths reported in this region, which are connected to geological processes. These geomyths have been categorized into three groups: 1) Water-related: Munzur Baba Legend, Gelin Pınarı-Dereova Waterfall Legend, Ağlayan Kayalar; 2) Cave and Weathering Process-related: Düzgün Baba Legend, Gelin Odaları-Bride's Room and Caves; 3) Mountain-related: Yılan Dağı (Snake Mountain) Legend, Süpürgeç Baba Legend, Arap Kızı Dağı (Arabian Girl) Legend. These legends reflect the influence of the Alevi culture (local faith), which emphasizes purity, cleanliness, good morals, and respect. The Alevi tradition of ziyaret (pilgrimage) to sacred sites has contributed to the prominence of locations such as Munzur Baba (karst features influenced by glaciation) and Düzgün Baba (pseudokarst and weathering structures in pyroclastics). These sacred sites, fostering a sense of moral and spiritual unity among the local community, hold significant potential for geopark development (planned for Munzur Valley), thereby stimulating the regional economy.