Turkish Man Lives in Cave After Earthquake Trauma

Ali Bozoğlan finds safety in cave after 2023 quake destroys home.

Turkish Man Lives in Cave After Earthquake Trauma

Ali Bozoğlan, 55, has lived in a cave near Hatay, Turkey, since a 7.8-magnitude earthquake in February 2023 destroyed his home, killing over 50,000 in Turkey and Syria.

Fearing man-made structures, he chose a cave, believing it safer.

He sleeps on a mattress, cooks with foraged food, and washes in streams.

Despite offers of a container home, Ali prefers the cave’s solitude, though it attracts snakes and rodents.

He plans to add solar panels for appliances.