Cappadocia

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Have you heard of an interesting place called Cappadocia, which is sometimes said to have originated from a fairy tale? This area, known as Kapadokya in Turkish, is in Central Anatolia in Turkey. It is well known for its gorgeous landscape, underground cities, churches in caves, as well as houses which have been carved in rocks. The moon-like landscape of Cappadocia, comprising of its valley, canyon, hills and unusual rock formation largely results from rain and wind erosion thousands of years ago.

The Rich History of Cappadocia

The Hittites, or ancient Anatolian people, settled in Cappadocia from 1800 BC to 1200 BC. Following this period, some smaller kingdoms began to grow in power. Eventually, the Persians arrived, followed by the Romans. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, the area of Cappadocia became a sanctuary for early Christians, such that between the 4th and the 11th century, Christianity thrived there. In fact, most of Cappadocia’s churches, monasteries and underground cities date all the way from this period. Subsequently, even though Cappadocia was under the Seljuk and Ottoman rule, Christians continued to be tolerated.

Over time, Cappadocia began to lose its significance in Anatolia until a French priest rediscovered the rock-hewn churches in 1907. A surge in tourist visits in the 1980s began a new era and Cappadocia is today, one of Turkey’s most well-visited destinations.

Why Is Cappadocia A World Heritage Site?

Cappadocia is now regarded as a world heritage site because its character has been preserved showcasing its rich natural and cultural history. The rocky, charming landscape of Cappadocia is honeycombed with networks of ancient underground settlements and exceptional specimens of Byzantine art.

Having observed the shaping of the incredible natural landscape by wind and rain erosion, the people from thousands of years ago were so inspired by the work of Mother Nature that they began to carve out amazing chamber and tunnel complexes into the existing soft rock. This is how, beginning in 4th century AD, a built-up but underground cultural setting was created in Cappadocia.

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This area was a religious refuge during the early years of Christianity. By 4th century AD, the Christians who were trying to run away from Rome’s persecution had arrived and set up monastic communities here. The monks unearthed widespread abodes and monasteries, and in 7th century AD, started creating Byzantine frescoed paintings in cave chapels. You might be impressed to learn that these paintings have been naturally preserved in strategically isolated areas, even till today!

Interestingly, while some of Cappadocia’s caveman dwellings are now museums, others still function as dwellings and hotels. Imagine staying in a classy cave suite during your visit to Cappadocia. Wouldn’t you look forward to such a unique and authentic cultural experience?

Unfortunately, like any other place with a rich historical value, Cappadocia is faced with several threats. The main threat to this world heritage site comes from the natural

so? Well, the effects of wind and rain erosion cannot be stopped, and so a lot of preservation measures have been taken to protect the area for yet another millennium.

Why Visit Cappadocia?

With a charming and unique mix of naturally fashioned rounded and jagged rock, hill, valley, and chimney formations in varieties ranging from clays to pinks, coupled with hundreds of colourful hot air balloons floating idyllically through the air, some have commented that Cappadocia looks like a place which could only exist in a fairy tale.

Tidbit

The Cappadocia “fairies” which look like fairy houses, were formed about three to four million years ago when a series of volcanic eruptions shook the Central Anatolia plateau.

The fairy chimneys reach up to 50m (165ft). They are made using hard rock on the top, preventing them from eroding. However, as time goes by, the base continues to be eroded until the top falls off.

At the heart of Turkey’s Anatolia region, Cappadocia covers a relatively small area yet it is one of Turkey’s most sought after tourist destinations. Foreigners who are passionate about ancient and modern history, as well as scholars of religious history, would be keen to visit such a place because it possesses an extremely rich and colorful past. People who have seen the landscape of Cappadocia in pictures simply long to see for themselves this seemingly fantastical place with their very own eyes.

They can do this at ground level or from more than a thousand feet above it. Yes, you are recommended to view Cappadocia from high up in the air, from a hot air

to the feeling of being in a fantasy land while you explore Cappadocia like a gliding bird. Did you know that Cappadocia is one of the world’s most popular destinations for hot air balloon rides? Every morning, before the sun

across Cappadocia. Floating in each hot air balloon would be eager tourists admiring the rock formations of the region.

Since Cappadocia is located on a high, dry plateau in central Turkey, it experiences hot and dry summers, and cold, sometimes snowy, winters. This means that you may choose to visit the place at a time of the year according to your personal climate preference.