Cappadocia which located in Turkey Central Anatolia region, is a land of surreal landscapes, rock formations and natural wonders. Tourists come from all over the world to experience the fairy chimneys and unique historical and cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Listed region that includes the Göreme National Park. While erosion forces were responsible for creating this amazing landscape, they are a constant threat to its survival as they continually sculpt and recreate Cappadocia rock formations.
Cappadocia today stretches approximately 400 km east to west and 250 km north to south. It is a high altitude region consisting of a plateau with a height of over 1,000 meters, interspersed with volcanic peaks. It is semi-arid with hot and dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The geology is underlain with sedimentary rocks that formed in lakes and streams before erupting from ancient volcanoes around 9-3 million years ago.
In Cappadocia villagers carved houses, churches and monasteries into the soft rocks, and underground cities pocket the landscape. Houses, places of worship, stables and storehouses were built into the soft stone, connected by a complex of tunnels, and many of these underground structures served as hiding places for early Christians before their religion was accepted. Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Gaziemir and Ozkanak are among the most important underground cities visible today, many fitted with creative trap doors customized to stump potential defenders. Urgup, Ihlara Valley, Seilme, Guzelyurt, Uchisar, Avanos and Zelve are some of the most important destinations in the region. Göreme became an important monastic center from 300–1200 AD as Christians escaped persecution in Rome. The Göreme Open Air Museum (Wikipedia Article) is an intriguing cultural complex with more than 30 rock-carved churches and chapels, some with spectacular frescoes.
Cappadocia, a unique rock city in Turkey
