The region known as Cappadocia includes the centres of urgup, Goreme, Avanos, uchisar, Derinkuyu, Kaymakli and ihlara. it is a stunning area of other-worldly rock formations, subterranean churches and underground dwellings, the scale of which is over-whelming. The area is also famous for its carpet-weaving, wines and the distinctive red pottery of the Avanos area. Cappadocia was a refuge for the early Christians, who escaped persecution by living and worshipping underground. There are an estimated 3000 rock churches in this region, not all of which are open to the public
The village of Goreme itself is at the heart of the area's tourist industry, and many of its villagers still live in cave dwellings, some of which have been converted into pensions. Surrounding the area are the amazing rock formations known evocatively as Peri Bacalari or 'Fairy Chimneys'.
Located to the west of Nigde, is the stunning ihlara Valley, a gorge which is 10 km long and some 80 metres wide. Popular for trekking, about 12 of its 60 churches are open to the public including the impressive Egritas Church.
There are hundreds of underground cities in the regions. Two of the most impressive are Kaymakli, which has 8 levels, and Derinkuyu, which reaches down to 55 metres. They were used by the Christians fleeing persecution in the 7th century, who created a self-sufficient environment underground including bedrooms, kitchens and storage rooms.
HISTORY
The Hattis, followed by the Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans were all enchanted by the allure of Cappadocia and left the imprint of their own presence here including important trade routes, such as the illustrious Silk Road which traversed east, west, north and south. As a result of this heavy traffic, the region was a complex web of historical and cultural influences. Cappadocia was the place where different faiths and philosophies met and influenced one another. Frescoed churches and dwellings carved into the cliffs extend from ihlara Valley, which is 40 km from Aksaray, and as far as 14 km to the town of Selime. Some of these structures can be dated back to as early as the 4th century A.D. Among the many sights worth seeing are the Egritas, Agac Alti, Kokar, Yilanli, Purenli, Kirkdamalti, Ala, Direkli, the Kale Manastiri churches, and the Selime Cathedral.
Because of its location, Cappadocia was an extremely critical and strategic region. As Cappadocia's trade and resources were tempting prizes, the region was frequently invaded, raided, and looted. To protect themselves from such depredations, the local inhabitants took to living in the region's caverns and grottos whose entrances could be concealed, so as not to be noticed by trouble-making outsiders. Since it might have been necessary to lie low for extended periods of time, these troglodytic dwellings eventually became subterranean cities that included sources of water, places to store food, wineries, and temples. Some of them date back to before the Christian era.
WHAT TO SEE
Uchisar
The splendid scene of the town of Uchisar, seven kilometres from Nevsehir has an appeal that is irresistible. From the heights of the Uchisar citadel, you have a magnificent and unrivalled view of the whole region.
Goreme
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Goreme and its environs, located ten kilometres from Nevsehir, are thought to have been used as a necropolis during Roman times by the inhabitants of Venessa (Avanos). The Goreme region is often referred to as the "belief centre". The Goreme Open-Air Museum is where the "educational system that unified all the ideas of Christianity" of St. Basil the Great and his brothers, was born. in the Tokali church, the Convent of Monks and Nuns, the Chapel of St. Basil, and the Elmali, Yilanli, Karanlik, and carikli churches, the architectural details and frescoes seem as alive today as when they were when they were new.
urgup
urgup, near Goreme, is a famous city with wines, as its historical places and natural beauties. Whether your wine is served to you in a rustic earthenware pitcher or an elegant crystal goblet, it will be an experience that you'll never forget. Although some local winemakers have adopted modern techniques of wine-making, there are still many that remain faithful to the ancient and time-proven methods.
Mustafapasa
Six kilometres south of urgup is Mustafapasa (Sinasos), a town justifiably famous for its splendid stone works. The Chapel of St Basil is decorated with motifs reflecting the iconoclastic system of thought. in Avanos, located 18 kilometres from Nevsehir, there is a tradition of pottery-making that has been alive since Hittite times.
Goreme Open Air Museum
Goreme is a wide open air museum, which is under protection with Fairy Chimneys and lots of very interesting churches. The region was one of the most important centers of Christianity.
Haci Bektasi Veli Complex
The famous sufi dervish leader of the Bektasi order is buried here. This 14th century complex includes tombs, guest houses, a kitchen, a mosque, a wishing tree and an area for ascetics, as well as famous sayings of Haci Bektas-i Veli.
Historical Places
GoremeGoreme, in which there are many fairy chimneys and churches, is declared as an open air museum. Tokali Church, the Priestesses and Priests Monastery, Saint Basil Chapel, Elmali Church, Saint ...
CAPPADOCIA ( KAPADOKYA )
in the mythology of the Hittites and the Phrygians, the region of Nevsehir lies on the planet of Cappadocia, whose creation was the work of the Gods of the Volcanoes and which was shaped by the soft and ...
Cappadocia a Subterranean Land
Hewing the rock formations in Cappadocia has possibly been an activity that has been executed of necessity by human beings from earliest times. First of all, the lack of wood in the natural surround and ...
Nevsehir The Capital Of Cappadocia
in the mythology of the Hittites and the Phrygians, the region of Nevsehir lies on the planet of Cappadocia, whose creation was the work of the Gods of the Volcanoes and which was shaped by the soft and ...
The Birth Of Christianity in Cappadocia
in the medieval period (tenth-eleventh centuries), Goreme formed a district of the province of Avanos. Machan (Goreme) had come into being as a satellite of Avanos, and as Avanos expanded Machan also ...