Contest #184 answer: Burning crater near Darvaza, Turkmenistan

In 1971 some geologists were drilling to gas in the Darvaza area of Turkmenistan.
The ground collapsed as they were drilling on top of an underground cavern which was filled with natural gas. They decided to burn the gas in order to gain access to the cavern, but now, 40 years later, the fire is still on.
This burning crater (a.k.a. ‘The Door to Hell‘) is on the internet on some sites wrongfully placed in Uzbekistan, so I approved the ‘Uzbekistan-answers’, but the correct location is in Turkmenistan.
Those who played with fire:
  • hhgygy
  • mccrumplair
  • Lelie
  • steve willis
  • blacbronco
  • Alonso Alfaro
  • Linda G
  • Greg Hauenstein
  • Steve Jaycocks
  • Chris Nason
  • Milosh, Serbia
  • zumsen

-hint-

  • Pascal Gilbraith
  • Paul Franson
  • Sasha Smith
  • Andy M, USA
  • Gillian
  • Sarah G.
  • Graham Foxall
  • Adam Macer
  • Michael Kennedy
  • Chris Arnott
  • Dennis S.
  • Thomas Egan
  • ACG
  • David Kozina
  • Elrober
  • EJ
  • eli
  • Falco
  • José Miguel Diaz
  • Dan W
  • Bill Close

Contest #183 answer: Aspendos, Turkey

Aspendos, built around 1000 BC, was one of the most important cities of Pamphylia

It has one of the best preserved Roman theatres, which can be clearly seen at the right of the area.

Originally the capacity of the theatre was 15,000 and until recently it hosted the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival
Those who sung an aria:
  • richard
  • mccrumplair
  • hhgygy
  • Falco
  • Milosh, Serbia
  • Paul Franson
  • Sasha Smith
  • steve willis
  • Adam Macer
  • zumsen
  • blacbronco

-Hint-

  • eli
  • Andy M, USA
  • Enrique
  • Graham Foxall
  • EJ
  • Sarah G.
  • Alonso Alfaro
  • Megatro
  • Bill Close
  • alyca
  • Linda G
  • Elrober