An Earthly Paradise: Cappadocia
BEING A TRAVELER IN TÜRKİYE’S UNRIVALED,
eccentric landforms and unforgettable sunsets is one of the most intense natural experiences one can have. As seasons fluctuate, Cappadocia parades its unique personality with each change — a place where history walks hand in hand with Mother Nature. Cappadocia … a dream of a land, gracefully sparkling in its texture: extraordinary natural settings, mesmerizing vistas from dusk till dawn, wonderous ancient structures carved into soft rocks, colored balloons greeting fairy chimneys — the natural rock formations — with every pass, and the allure of history taking guests on a journey through time. The sublime story of this land dates back millions of years to the eruption of the two volcanic mountains of Central Anatolia. The tuff and basalt layering throughout the region then formed by the wind, turning into mythic fairy chimneys for miles. As the natural formation completed, humans began to show, adding migrations, invasions and conquering to this history. Luvians, Hittitians were the first settlers of the region and afterwards, Christians who fled oppression and violence found their new home. After settling, they carved churches into these rocks and engineered complete underground cities with ventilated living areas. Today, these ancient structures take you on a magical journey in time and wonder.
PANORAMIC VIEW OF A FAIRY TALE
One of the first things to catch your eye is a gigantic, imposing rock stretching toward the sky, Uçhisar Castle. It has the best view and one of the most beautiful walking paths in Cappadocia, through Pigeon Valley. Wander through tunnels carved by the river’s mighty flow while hearing pigeons leave nests and soar past giant formations. Uçhisar was established around the castle as a small village and grew to include the downward slopes. Some claim there were once underground roads, kilometers long, from Uçhisar Castle to the Ihlara Valley beyond. Today, the castle is surrounded by shops and stalls, selling souvenirs.
THE ADDRESS FOR THE WANDERLUST
In the center of the region, the scenic town of Göreme remains calm despite crowds of visitors. The churning wind and nurturing rainfall over millennia created the beauty the town is known for. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985,
Göreme casts its enigmatic charm for miles. The churches carved into these soft rocks — especially many underground cities such as Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı — sit in stillness with mysteries intact. One of the most important structures of Göreme Open Air Museum is the Dark Church. What makes this relic stand out is its lively frescoes. Dating back to the end of the 11th century and beginning of the 12th, its name derives from the little light it receives from a small window in the narthex section. The lack of light allowed this church to keep its treasures alive.
CONQUERING THE SCENERY FROM UP ABOVE
As dawn breaks, float in the air with great calmness, taking part in acclaimed hot-air balloon adventures with unique geography below. The land of fairy chimneys has become the center for renowned ballooning over the past 20 years, and the mesmerizing morning aerial adventures attract more and more travelers worldwide. The balloons, up to 500 meters, depart early in the morning from Göreme.
A JEWEL BOX OF A TOWN
Moving east, Ürgüp welcomes you to its ceaseless wonders. Aside from being the largest settlement in Cappadocia, it’s also a magnificent source of immersive sights. Its size, history and grandeur combine for an Anatolian town bursting with hotels, restaurants, shops and mythic cave dwellings. Stone mansions built on these rocks are distinct to this location. Ürgüp is also the place to cut loose with the best nightlife in Cappadocia! Try delicious Cappadocian wines. This region’s well-established winemaking owes its famous vineyards to tuff formed by volcanic activities. Anatolian grapes, such as Öküzgözü, Kalecik Karası, Boğazkere, Narince and Emir, grow graciously thanks to rich tuff soil. Another stop to make is Avanos, the cultural epicenter of Cappadocia. Its unusual livelihood makes this town so intriguing. As the Kızılırmak River has flowed patiently for eons through Avanos, the soft and oily clay sourced from the riverbeds makes Avanos the home of a rich pottery tradition dating back to the Hittites. Each unique flaw in the clay brings out the beauty in handmade pieces, subsequently colored in earthy tones and, of course, turquoise. Join a pottery workshop or shop for goodies in lively bazaars. Cappadocia’s mystic and undulating landscape is perfect for an athletic adventure infused with historical significance. Many of the volcanic valleys offer compelling single trails. Various mountain and road bike routes allow cyclists of all levels to cycle on different trails, from smooth to sandy. While every spot serves up dreamy sunsets, one sets itself apart: Red Valley. Located near Çavuşin Village and Ortahisar, it draws the most romantic and unforgettable moments as the sky takes on rich crimson red tones. Here, Ortahisar Castle is thought to be one of the first multistory settlements in the world, making it an architectural find. The structure provided shelter for the Silk Road caravans during the Hittite period and is actually a giant fairy chimney in disguise. One of the highest spots in the region today, visiting this castle guarantees a view to remember.
A LIFE ENGRAVED IN VOLCANIC ASH
Your next destination may not radiate its allure from afar, but, once in, you’ll be in awe for sure. Çavuşin Village lies within minutes of Göreme. Your path will take you among ancient ruins. To further explore the ruins, follow the tracks and find yourself in an area famous for churches and clergy houses. Along this path, access the oldest of these sanctuaries, built between the first and 10th centuries. Extend your walk 30 minutes to reach churches in the Rose and Red Valleys. The most enticing site is just near the cliff: Saint John the Baptist Church. Consisting of three valleys, Zelve is most intense in terms of fairy chimneys. If you want to examine the full beauty, start trekking early in the morning. The important churches in the valley are Balıklı, Üzümlü and Geyikli.
A BOUNDLESS DIP INTO THE OLDEN DAYS
Travel beyond time and explore a world you’ve never imagined: Ihlara Valley. It’s known the 14-kilometer valley has been an important religious center since the early days of Christianity, with numerous worship houses and historical living spaces. Here, fourteen frescoed churches carved into rocks are open for exploration. After the walk which can take up to four hours, gazebos built on the Melendiz Stream are perfect for a tea break.