The region known
as Cappadocia includes the centres of Ürgüp, Göreme, Avanos, Üçhisar, Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı 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 Göreme 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 Bacaları or
'Fairy Chimneys'.
Located
to the west of Niğde, 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 Eğritaş Church.
There are hundreds of underground
cities in the regions. Two of the most impressive are
Kaymaklı, 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
Eğritaş, Ağaç Altı, Kokar, Yılanlı, Pürenli, Kırkdamaltı, Ala,
Direkli, the Kale Manastırı 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
Uçhisar
The splendid
scene of the town of Uçhisar, seven kilometres from Nevşehir
has an appeal that is irresistible. From the heights of the
Uçhisar citadel, you have a magnificent and unrivalled view of
the whole region.
Göreme
Göreme and
its environs, located ten kilometres from Nevşehir, are
thought to have been used as a necropolis during Roman times
by the inhabitants of Venessa (Avanos). The Göreme region is
often referred to as the "belief centre". The Göreme 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 Tokalı church, the Convent of Monks and Nuns,
the Chapel of St. Basil, and the Elmalı, Yılanlı, Karanlık, and Çarıklı churches, the architectural details and frescoes
seem as alive today as when they were when they were new.
Ürgüp
Ürgüp, near
Göreme, 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.
Mustafapaşa
Six
kilometres south of Ürgüp is Mustafapaşa (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
Nevşehir, there is a tradition of pottery-making that has been
alive since Hittite times.
Note
: quoted from goturkey.com
