Modern Mysteries

Mystery surrounds remote village where half the population is deaf

By T.K. Randall
April 22, 2025

Image: Village Scene - Tepekoy, Gokceada Island, Turkey
Credit: Adam Jones / CC BY 2.0 (adapted) Situated 450 miles from Turkey's capital of Istanbul, the small village of Gokova - which has a population of just 120 people - is home to a long enduring mystery.

For reasons unknown, almost half of the village's entire population is deaf and non-verbal.

"We've learned to rely on sign language as a community but any outsiders have trouble communicating," said local mayor Eyup Tozn. "There are almost no healthy people."

Exactly why this should be the case remains unclear. Some scientists have blamed inbreeding for the phenomenon, while others believe that chemicals in the drinking water might be responsible."I have four children with disabilities and one of them has three children, all deaf and mute," said local resident Sati Tozun. "My sister-in-law has children with disabilities. This village is completely disabled."

The phenomenon is similar to that seen in a village in Australia that was discovered in 2012.

There, generations of inbreeding had produced countless deformities and health abnormalities.

Whether or not something similar is happening here, however, continues to remain a mystery.

Source: Mail Online

Tags: Turkey