The region of Cappadocia is located in the middle of a once-active volcanic area of central Anatolia. Millions of years ago three of its mountains – Erciyes, Hasandağ and Güllüdağ – were active volcanoes.Over many millions of years, volcanoes, wind, rain and ice sculpted the region which we now know as Cappadocia.
The local people referred to these unique rock formations “fairy chimneys”, a name that has endured throughout the ages. If nature was the first artist to arrange the decor, it was Anatolian man who carved the rock and built houses, churches and over 250 underground cities out of it over the centuries.
Cappadocia offers visitors an extraordinary and lavish banquet of natural wonders that exceed their wildest imaginations. These wonders are elegantly graced with works created by the hand of man. With its unique natural features displaying a harmonious combination of natural and cultural landscape elements, Cappadocia is an enchanting open-air museum and an unparalleled example of the common cultural heritage of humanity.
Due to its location Cappadocia has been a critical and strategic region throughout the years. Important trade routes, including the illustrious Silk Road, traversed it both east and west and north and south. As a result of this heavy traffic, the region has been a complex web of historical and cultural influences, a region where different faiths and philosophies have met and influenced one another.
Prepare yourself to take a brief journey into the Cappadocian region, where Mother Nature painstakingly worked miracles that defy the imagination and where the living elements of history, culture, art and society are inextricably linked. A visit to Cappadocia is highly recommended for those who want to bathe in its atmosphere, colours and luminance.
- Ihlara Valley:
The Ihlara (Peristremma in Antiquity) Canyon is one the most popular destinations of the whole Cappadocia Region and the visitors may enjoy marvellous natural beauty and cultural riches side by side. The natural beauty was carved by forces of nature with the care and elegance while the chapels and churches were carved with great patience and grace and adorned with frescoes with a great mastery of generations past. Undoubtedly the visitors will love the Ihlara Canyon where beauties of nature, history, art, and culture have been combined, and wish the timeless moments enjoyed would never end.
The 14 km (9 miles) Ihlara Canyon is the longest hiking route of Cappadocia. You may have tackled various routes across the world, however, you would find the Ihlara Canyon is an ideal track passing through natural beauty spots and historical heritage where every turn would bring a surprise.
Visitors of Cappadocia who are familiar with the meagre plant cover of the steppe are astonished when they see the lush green cover of Ihlara Canyon. The microclimate of Canyon is quite different from its environs, and it enables growth of various plants and trees which create a secluded paradise.
- Belisirma Village:
Belisirma is a little village located in Cappadocia on the Melendiz River down the Ilhara Vallley near Urgup, Turkey. The most important specialty of this village of Güzelyurt County of Aksaray Province is that it is actually established in the Ihlara Valley. Basicly the Belisirma Village was established on the slopes of the valley, on the right side of the Melendiz brook which flows through the valley.
It has been indicated in the historical resources that the name “Belisırma” is derived from the Greek word “Peristrema”. Even though this area is not as large as the city center of Güzelyurt or town of Ihlara, Greeks intensively settled in this village.
Belisirma village is located in the middle of the trekking path continuing across Ihlara Valley, the trekkers who walk up to here are able to leave the valley through the road coming all the way down to the valley.
- Dervent Valley:
Devrent Valley, which is also known as Imaginary Valley and also as Pink Valley does not have cave churches like the other valleys of Cappadocia. There are no Roman castles or Roman tombs in Devrent Valley, either. Actually it was never inhabited. So what makes it so famous? The lunar landscape!
Devrent Valley (also spelled as Dervent Valley) reveals many different rock formations. The small fairy chimneys in the valley form a lunar landscape, or moonscape, by their strange look. The valley also has many animal shaped rocks. It looks like a sculpture zoo made by nature. Some of the most important, or the easiest seen animal shapes are camel, snake, seals, and dolphin. If you let your imagination run free you will find many others. It is like looking at clouds and seeing a dragon. There is even a rock pillar which looks like Virgin Mary, holding Jesus Christ.
- Zelve:
The Zelve Open-Air Museum, which once housed one of the largest communities in the region is an amazing cave town, honeycombed with dwellings, religious and secular chambers. Here, the Christians and Muslims lived together in perfect harmony, until 1924. Then Christians had to leave the Valley because of the exchange of minorities between Greece and Turkey, and the Muslims were forced to evacuate the Valley in the 50’s when life became dangerous due to risk of erosion. They left the site to set up a modern village, a little further on, to which they gave the name Yeni Zelve (New Zelve).
Now old Zelve is a ghost town and the erosion still continues. The three valleys in the Zelve open air museum offer a heaven for the rock climbers. It takes at least two hours for a good trekker to walk through these valleys, which also house the oldest examples of Cappadocian architecture and religious paintings.
- Pasabag:
Pasabag in Cappadocia is located on the road to Zelve, coming from Goreme or Avanos. Highly remarkable earth pillars can be seen here, in the middle of a vineyard, hence the name of the place which means: the Pacha’s vineyard. Pacha means “General”, the military rank, in Turkish and it is a very common nick name. This site is also called Monks Valley. The name was derived from some cones carved in tuff stones which stand apart. Currently, there is a vineyard and a number of tuff cones standing right next to the road.
Some of these cones split into smaller cones in their upper sections, in which stylites and hermits once hid. The hermitage of Simeon monks was also here. A chapel dedicated to St. Simeon (Simon), and a hermit’s shelter is built into one of the fairy chimneys with three heads.
Pasabag valley contains some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps. This style is unique even for Cappadocia and these fairy chimneys are named mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
- Avanos:
Avanos, located on the Kızılırmak River (literally Red River), is a town famous for its beautiful pottery that has been produced there for millennia. The production process uses the clay extracted from Kızılırmak, with a characteristic reddish hue. However, Avanos is not only a ceramic workshop but also a charming town where it is possible to stroll along a riverside promenade. It is also an alternative accommodation base for exploring Cappadocia.
Group tours usually end up in huge ceramic halls, located near the junction with the road to Göreme. However, with enough spare time, it is much more interesting to visit one of the workshops located in the centre of Avanos. Each of them is run by another family, which has been associated with this craft for many generations.
All of these workshops are similarly organised. They are located in the basement and deeper underground, in the rooms carved into soft volcanic rock. This method ensures that ceramic objects are protected from the intense sunlight that could harm their beautiful colours. In practice, each visit to a ceramic workshop is simultaneously the exploration of an underground mini-town. The process of pottery making can be seen during frequent demonstrations.
- Goreme:
Cappadocia – Happydocia Göreme, was called Maccan in its antiquity and is one of the oldest sites in the Cappadocia region. The oldest known source of the city’s name is in the book titled “The Doing of St. Hieron” from the 7th century. Maccan was not naturally protected or shielded from the view of outsiders, and therefore suffered from Arab raids, causing the loss of the better part of its population. Once the Arab invasions came to an end, the churches of Maçan were rebuilt. It is generally accepted that the city was situated by the side of a river in its infancy, and there are two pillared mausoleums left as proof of this early settlement. There are five churches in the village of Göreme and surroundings settlements. The biggest of these is the Durmus Kadir Church which is thought to have been built in either the 6th or the 7th century. Its pillars and preacher’s desk are well preserved. The other churches of Göreme have been built in the 10th and the 11th centuries after the conclusion of the Arab raids. The most recently built church is the Yusuf Koc Church which was built in the 11th century when Göreme had an episcopate. Two of the churches of Göreme, the Bezirhani Church and the Orta Mahalli Church are within the city, and the farthest church, which can be reached in 30 minutes on foot, is the Church of Karabulut dating back to the 11th century.
The most attractive settlement of the region is the village of Göreme which is an unsurpassed example of the harmony of man and nature. People still live in the rock houses or use them as storerooms today, displaying an immense reverence for volcanic earth and history. The village of Göreme not only has rock houses, but also rock restaurants and rock hotels which all visitors find amazing. The natural boundaries of the city are drawn by the high rocks surrounding it and the fairy chimneys within; it’s a place that offers unbelievable natural treasures.
- Uchisar:
Uchisar is situated at the highest point in Cappadocia, on the Nevsehir-Goreme road, just 5 km from Goreme. The top of the Uchisar Castle, provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area with Mount Erciyes in the distance.
Many rooms hollowed out into the rock are connected to each other with stairs, tunnels and passages. At the entrances of the rooms, there are millstone doors, just like the ones in the underground settlements, used to control access to these places. Due to the erosion in places of this multi-leveled castle, it is unfortunately not possible to reach all the rooms. Most of the rooms, located on the north side of the castle are in use as pigeon houses (dovecuts) today. Farmers used these cave pigeon houses to collect the droppings of pigeons which is an excellent natural fertilizer for the orchards and vineyards.
The fairy chimneys to the west, east and north of Uchisar were hollowed out and used as graves during the Roman period. Inside these rock cut tombs, the entrances which generally face west, are klines or stone slabs on which the bodies were laid.
Many rock cut churches have been discovered not only on the outskirts of the castle but also inside it. The reason for this may be that Goreme, having numerous churches and monasteries, is very close to Uchisar.
- Soganli Valley:
The Soğanlı Valleys of southern Cappadocia are great if you want to do some Cappadocian cave-church exploring off the beaten path.
In the Soğanlı valleys you may have the hiking trails, churches and weird dovecotes to yourself. You can have fun exploring on your own throughout several valleys, and really get off the beaten path.
Not only that, but there is a real traditional Turkish village at Soğanlı, with people living as they have for centuries.
Tourism has intrueded to the point where there are several serviceable restaurants, and local women hand-make “Soğanlı dolls” for the tourist trade, but Soğanlı is still a real Turkish place.
This is not a place to run through and check off churches from a list, but rather a place to enjoy hiking and exploring on your own.
- Mustafapasa:
Mustafapasa is an ancient Greek village whose name was Sinasos before. Mustafapaşa, which is one of the most natural places of Cappadocia. Mustafapasa is so rich in terms of places to visit that when you come to Ürgüp, you have to spend at least as much time in this charming town that smells of history.
Mustafapaşa is a cultural gem with Orthodox Greeks living close to 700 years of population, until the 1924 population exchange. Residents of the village were Greek merchants who sold wine and medicinal products at that time. In exchange, the residents of the village were sent to Greece and replaced with Turkish population. Sinasos architects, who transformed stonework into an artistic architecture, came from Mardin and the Syrian border, according to a custom told in the region. The rumor is that the houses in Mardin and Mustafapaşa houses are very similar to each other. Today the town protected by the Ministry of Culture opened in 1981. In Mustafapaşa, with its 93 houses, close to 30 churches and chapels offer a visual history festival.
- Kaymakli:
The widest, enchanting, one of the most famous and wonderful underground city in Cappadocia, Kaymaklı Underground City is situated on Ihlara Road, 10 kms far from Derinkuyu, another deepest fascinating underground city and 20 kms from Nevsehir. Miraculously well protected and maintained structure is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Established under a great hill well known as the Citadel or Sanctuary of Kaymaklı, this wonder land underground city’ history dates back Hittites and Phrygians Period, in B.C 3000.
Today from past it has been used various purposes in different times. Due to its soft volcanic rock, Kaymaklı people built this splendid underground city around their homes for the security reasons. Also there are found special, secret tunnels connected to underground city and those houses. Whenever there was happened any attacks, they could temporarily use these private tunnels to pass the underground masterpiece in order to protect themselves.
The city was opened to visitors in 1964 but only 4 of the 8 levels are useable.
Except for those features, the architectural speciality of Kaymaklı Underground City grabs the people.
- Red Valley:
Red Valley is famous for the red-rose colour of the rocks, it is one of the most stunning of the many valleys in the Cappadocia region. There are many opportunities for hiking, quad biking and horseback riding through the valley. Meanwhile Hot air balloons float over head as the sun rises in the early morning, you can watch from below or fly up in one yourself for a birds eye view of the incredible landscape.
Throughout the Red Valley there are many unique rock formations as well as man-made dovecotes and rock-cut churches decorated with original frescoes, although partially worn away by rain the frescoes are still visible on the stone walls.
This is a fantastic area for hiking with diverse flora and fauna, the valley is surrounded by grape vines and fruit trees and flower grow on the hills around small villages. Hiking trails begin in Cavusin, you can combine a walk through Red Valley with a visit to Rose Valley and continue hiking to a superb panorama viewpoint at the head of the valley, this is also also an ideal spot to watch the sunset. An alternative trail will take you through Red Valley to the Open Air Museum which hosts rock-hewn churches with well preserved frescoes, as well as troglodyte caves and fairy chimneys.
- Agzikarahan:
Its construction began in 1231 during the reign of Aladdin Keykubad, and was finished during his son, Keyhusrev’s reign. The small mosque rests on four pillars directly opposite the portal. Unlike in the other caravanserais, the closed area is not opposite the portal, but to the left.
The donor of this caravanserai (1231-37) is Hoca Mesud bin Abdullah. Unlike axial caravanserais, the entrance to this building is provided through a portal laterally situated in front of a vestibule. This portal is ornamented with geometrical motifs that are patterned on so-called star systems. Giving the idea of eternity and unity of God, this systems with arms spread from star-shaped hubs have some certain cosmological meanings.
In similar to Aksaray Sultan Han, there is a kiosk-masjid at the centre of the courtyard, stables and service rooms flanking the court and a pillared enclosed section with 6 aisles.
- Historical Areas:
One of the crowning historical jewels in Turkey, you can be sure to become instantly enchanted with the wealth of history and culture available to you here! From crumbling ruins, museums, and famous landmarks, to marveling at the natural, untouched landscape, Cappadocia is every intrepid explorer’s dream.
- Pottery And Ceramics Shops:
The town of Avanos is a bustling area in the city and is located on the shore of the Red River, the longest one in Turkey. It has been the centre for pottery and craft making since the Hittite period. The reddish-brown clay that is harvested from this river is used in the workshops to make exquisite handmade ceramics. You can witness a demonstration by a potter in one of the many family-run pottery shops, and then visit the demonstration workroom, before making your way to the main showroom.
- Watching Sunrise and Sunset:
Cappadocia offers great sights and points of interest for travellers from outstanding landscape, fairy chimneys and rock-cut houses, the beautiful valleys and scenic lunar hills to incredible monuments. Cappadocia is also one of the best places in the world to watch sunrise and sunset in a fairy tale atmosphere. Sunrise and sunset in Cappadocia is also great attraction for travellers on their Cappadocia holidays. Watching sunset in Cappadocia is also one of the best things to do in Cappadocia.
- Hiking:
Hiking around Cappadocia in Turkey is a unique experience offering some of the most surreal scenery in the world. There are numerous options available, from brief walks to full-day treks and beyond. You can take a look at some sweet Cappadocia hikes offering excellent vantage points with extraordinary views.
- Shopping:
There are many high quality gift shops in the area showcasing handcrafted local souvenirs for you to remember your time in Cappadocia. From postcards, to jewelry, to the infamous blue glass eye that you can find adorning many items in Turkey. Don’t hesitate to find that special item that will bring a taste of Turkey back home with you.
- Horse Riding:
Cappadocia is derived from the ancient Hittite word ‘Katpatuka’, which means “land of beautiful horses”. Clay tablet scriptures dating back to 1460 BC depict the area’s devotion to expert horse breeding. Today, one can explore the unique landscape of Cappadocia on a native Anatolian horse or Arab horse and visit areas where even tour buses can’t pass through.
- ATV Tours:
If you wonder about Cappadocia, the creek, the hill; not afraid of dust, sludge, in short; If you love adrenaline, if you love nature ATV quad tour is just for you.
Cappadocia has a magical geographic décor where history and nature are intertwined and will make every moment of yours wonderful. One of the best excitements that will reveal the traveler inside you is to ride ATV when you are visiting this extraordinary paradise.
- Hot Air Balloons:
Cappadocia is known around the world as one of the best places to fly with hot air balloons. The spectacular surrealistic landscapes combined with excellent flying conditions allow the balloons to gently drift over and between fairy chimneys, pigeon houses hewn into the unique rock formations, orchards and vineyards – through impressive valleys, each with distinctive rock formations, colors and features – and then float up over rippled ravines for breathtaking views over the region.
- Food & Drink:
The delicious tables are equipped with dishes prepared with traditional methods. Red meats, green vegetables, all in Cappadocia’s amazing view restaurants. You will spend a holiday you can not get enough taste. You should not miss the delicious wines that will add taste to your meals.
- Entertainment & Nightlife:
Get a Taste of Turkish Culture & Dance during Turkish Night. Accompanied by live music over dinner and free-flowing wine, you’ll be treated to folk dances from different parts of Turkey, including a whirling dervish ceremony and a belly dance. Most of the shows take place in Cappadocia’s cave restaurants. It was fascinating to watch the dancers as they performed the traditional way. A traditional Turkish night marks the perfect end to a day of sightseeing in Cappadocia.
- Testi (Pot) Kebab:
It is made using onions and lamb, tomatoes and garlic. Vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplants, potatoes and peppers can be added to these ingredients in some restaurants.Serve for about 2 hours after cooking in the testicle.
- Stew with Chickpea:
It is obtained by cooking mutton, onion and chickpea together in the pot. After adding water and paste, it is left to cook in tandoor. Served hot.
- Dry Bean Pottery:
Dry beans, boiled in a wood fire after being put into a pot with meat, cooked in embers for a short time. Spices are then added, cooked again and served.
- Stuffed Apricot:
“Dolma” is made from sweet apricots. If apricot is not sweet, add molasses when cooking. Piece of meat or minced meat is cooked in the pot with apricots. Put almonds or walnuts inside. When it is cooled, it is served with cream.
- Wine:
Cappadocia is one of the important centers that come to mind when it is mentioned in Central Anatolia. The region, which has a very long tradition of wine making, is renowned for the quality of the wines produced from the local grapes.
- Turkish Coffee:
You may taste Turkish coffee almost anywhere ranging from the guest rooms of your Turkish friends welcoming you in their homes to any hotel you stay, from the village coffee-houses to luxurious restaurants. Traditionally Turkish coffee is served with a glass of water and a piece of Turkish delight. The water is believed to be taken before the coffee, in order to cleanse and prepare the palate to fully appreciate the richness of the aromas in the coffee.
