The name “Cappadocia” dates back to Persian times, when the region was called as “katpatukya” meaning “Land of beautiful horses”. Since that time Cappadocia has seen the rise and fall of many different civilizations. It is a land of vast plains, rolling hills, rugged mountains and extinct volcanoes. It is a veritable treasury of historical relics from the Chalcolithic era to the Seljuk Turks period. The visitor may seldom travel more then a few miles without encountering some derelict reminders of Cappadocia ‘s colorful past.

In recent times, Cappadocia is best known for its unique landscape of valleys and rock formations, known as fairy chimneys. The formation of the this strange landscape began during the third geological period, when three volcanoes on the edges of this region began erupting frequently. The deposits of volcanoes ash, lava and basalt laid the foundations for today's landscape. Earthquakes and ongoing effects of erosion formed the valleys and fairy chimneys that can be seen today.

As the rock below the top layer of basalt is extremely soft, it can be easily carved. Communities took advantage of this to make their home in the rock pillars and under the ground. Today, examples of homes, churches and whole cities abound in Cappadocia.

FAIRY CHIMNEYS

The name “Cappadocia” dates back to Persian times, when the region was called as “katpatukya” meaning “Land of beautiful horses”. Since that time Cappadocia has seen the rise and fall of many different civilizations. It is a land of vast plains, rolling hills, rugged mountains and extinct volcanoes. It is a veritable treasury of historical relics from the Chalcolithic era to the Seljuk Turks period. The visitor may seldom travel more then a few miles without encountering some derelict reminders of Cappadocia ‘s colorful past.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

Goreme Open Air Museum

Goreme is one of the oldest towns in Central Anatolia. Primarily an agricultural town, it later became an important center for the early Christians. The valley houses numerous rock hewn churches with frescos.

The churches enclosed by the open air museum contain some very well preserved frescos. The Aristocratic churches are covered with impressive Byzantine art. Refectories, kitchens, storage rooms etc. Can also be visited in the museum.

Uchisar Castle & Pigeon's Valley

One of the most imposing landmarks of this region is the hiltop fortress at Uchisar. Out of this natural rock formation a wide variety of rooms and dwellings were carved. Communities lived in this fortress in order to protect themselves from the enemy attack.

Nearby Pigeon’s valley contains numerous pigeon houses. In this valley pigeons were traines to deliver messages to towns throughout Central Cappadocia and were essential aid to communication. Also people used the droppings of the pigeons as a guano.

Underground Cities

There are more than one hundred underground cities in Cappadocia. Due to the soft nature of the volcanic rock, early civilizations careved entire cities underground and would retreat to this refuge in times of siege. A huge rock was rolled across the entrance to seal it from the outside.

The cities comprised living quarters, cooking areas, places for worship, storage areas and on the first floor below ground were the stables. Water, fresh air and sunlight were also provided.

Ihlara Valley

Ihlara Valley is a canyon, approximately 14 kms length and up to100 metres deep in places. The sheer walls of the canyon make it almost invisble until you are directly upon it.

Ihlara, in acient times, was the site of the first medical centre. Later, it became a refuge for the early Christians, and has many rock hewn churches. The frescos include scenes from the New Tastement, a tableu of the forty martyrs and the potraits of local religious leaders.