TLDRFalling groundwater, extreme heat, and water-intensive farming are accelerating land collapse in Turkey, causing a surge in sinkholes and threatening the livelihoods of farmers. The region of Konya, known as Turkey’s breadbasket, is experiencing unprecedented sinkhole activity, with experts linking the issue to dwindling rainfall, reduced groundwater, and intensive agriculture. Farmers like Fatih Sik are living in constant fear as sinkholes consume their land, and the situation is prompting a reevaluation of agricultural practices to adopt more sustainable methods.

Source: The Guardian February 28, 2026 13:36 UTC