The Albanian Center for Marine Research teams up with American divers for one of the first underwater explorations of the natural spring
By: Auron Tare
Peter Campbell
Derek Smith
The spring of the Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) is one of the Albanian natural wonders whichطith its glowing colorנamazes hundreds of tourists each summer. However, much fewer people have actually attempted to explore the natural spring and understand what could exist beyond its unique appearance. Indeed, those who read about this natural spring will find that many pagan legends surround the Blue Eye with mystery and leave the impression that ancient inhabitants worshipped the spring as a natural miracle. In fact, the multitude of such myths suggests that the Blue Eye was an important cultural center of the past.
Thousands of years of cultural history have left imprints in Albania which have yet to be discoveredנincluding underwater caves in the Blue Eye. From the Stone Age until today, people have viewed this spring as source of life. The proximity of the Blue Eye with ancient cities such as Finiqi or Butrint reinforces the idea that this spring was a ritual center comparable to those in France and Italy. Even in modern times, it can be noted that springs continue to retain a ritual element, as people throw items like coins into the waters in the hope that they will then bring future good luck.
In an effort to understand the amount of truth that resides in the Blue Eye’s legends, the Albanian Center for Marine Research together with an American team from RPM Nautical Foundation as well as Albanian archeologist Dr. Anastasi began the first attempt of scientific study of the Blue Eye this summer. The expedition was also supported by the Organization for Cave Archeology; a foundation specialized in the study of caves and their historical use for pagan rituals. Peter Campbell and Derek Smith, American archeology and biology divers, conducted the first dive into the depths of the Blue Eye, observed by visitors who had come to tour the site.
According to Albanian specialists who have studied the Blue Eye, the spring has an average flow of 18 cubic meters per second. This massive current makes dives extremely difficult and dangerous. Exploring underwater caves is dangerous enough in calm waters; thus, the recent endeavors to explore the high-pressure waters of the Blue Eye bring yet greater risk. Descending into the spring against its currents is challenging as the water’s force has the ability to damage the divers’ oxygen systems; while, exiting the caves is yet more difficult than the dive. The extreme water pressure has several possible consequences for divers, as they risk being carried away by the water’s strong current.
To minimize the risk of such accidents, Campbell and Smith were in possession of a map of the Blue Eye which had been produced by previous divers who provided advice regarding the caves and their terrain. Most notably, the map showed a twenty-foot drop toward the right of the spring, as well as a deep cavity that created an ideally sheltered area which allowed the divers to land and conduct their exploration.
Throughout the dive into the Blue Eye, the damage caused by items thrown in the water by visitors was evidentشhough the largest amount of objects was found in the cave itself. The majority of the items were modern articles, like broken glass and pieces of metal. Yet beyond the litter, was an interesting discovery of numerous bones and pieces of wood. Near the bones was evidence of cookingإvidence which could be used to support tales of ancient animal sacrifices in honor of various deities. In addition to creditingدr discrediting mythsנthe collection of these bone fragments could prove valuable in understanding the inhabitants of Albanian’s ancient civilizations themselves.
The team that led the difficult dive used only observatory methods to document their observations in the cave, in an effort to leave each piece of evidence untouched and exactly in its place for future visitors and scientists wishing to conduct further studies of the Blue Eye’s underwater environment. The information collected until now by the team will be used to assist future scientific dives both in this cave and other caves around Albania, in order to achieve greater understanding of ancient inhabitants of the region. Though much information is left to be desired, the explorations which began this summer demonstrated the possibility of such endeavors and the historical value of Albania’s springs.
