The history of Cappadocia reads like the chapter page in an ancient history textbook. Through the ages, the Hittites, Persians, Alexander the Great, Rome, The Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and Turkey have all governed this region of Central Anatolia. In Herodotus’ time, Cappadocia was said to encompass the land between Mount Taurus and the Black Sea. Nowadays, most visitors recognize it as the Nevsehir Province of Turkey. The land itself is semi-arid, a badland. Standing 1,000 meters above sea level, the Cappadocian relief is a high plateau, pierced by volcanic peaks that create a visually stunning landscape — a landscape to which the human population has added many flourishes throughout the centuries.
Source:
Probably the best known feature of Cappadocia, found in its very heart, are the fairy chimneys of Goreme and its surrounding villages. Sedimentary rocks, formed from volcanic material between 9 and 3 million years ago, were eroded by wind and rain into minaret and pillar forms. From these the people of the region carved distinctive houses, churches and monasteries, some dating back to the Roman Empire. Many were decorated inside with colorful frescoes. Although they no longer function as places of worship, tourists can still walk through the churches and chapels at the Goreme Open Air Museum.
Source:
But the soil beneath Cappadocia hides other, equally intriguing sites: its ancient underground cities. The earliest beginnings of these tunnels and chambers are unknown, though some archaeologists believe they were started by the Hittites (c.1200 BC). Others date them back even further to a time predating metal, for it is believed the tunnels were hewn using stone, as opposed to metallic, tools. It is known that most of the levels were dug out by early Christians to provide them with refuge from persecution — first during Roman times, and later from invading Arabs.
Source:
Unwary soldiers could be caught in the many traps laid throughout the labyrinthine corridors, such as stones which could be rolled to block doorways, and holes in the ceiling through which spears could be dropped. Invaders were further outwitted by the Christian builders who made their tunnels narrow, forcing their enemies to fight, and be picked off, one by one.
Source:
If there’s one thing we know the ancient Cappadocians valued, it was their pigeons. Throughout Cappadocia, but especially in one particular valley (known, unsurprisingly, as ‘Pigeon Valley’), thousands of bird houses have been carved into the soft rock. Pigeons were prized both as a source of food and fertilizer, and even today, ground fertilized by pigeon droppings is said to be the most fertile soil of all. Many a proud Cappodocian farmer has asserted that their fruits are the sweetest in all Turkey thanks to their pigeons!
Source:
Source:
Everyone loves what you guys tend to be up too. This
sort of clever work and exposure! Keep up the great works
guys I’ve incorporated you guys to our blogroll.
Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or
guest authoring on other blogs? I have a
blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know
my viewers would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.
My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different
page and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so
now i am following you. Look forward to looking at your web
page yet again.
Great article, totally what I was looking for.
Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide
credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog is in the very same niche as yours and my visitors would genuinely benefit from some of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this alright with you. Regards!
Why visitors still make use of to read news papers when in this technological world all
is accessible on web?
Just desire to say your article is as surprising.
The clearness on your post is just excellent and that i could suppose you are a professional in this subject.
Well together with your permission allow me to grasp your feed to stay up to date
with drawing close post. Thanks a million and please keep
up the gratifying work.
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment
didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say excellent blog!
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I
get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
Remarkable things here. I’m very satisfied to peer your post.
Thank you so much and I’m looking ahead to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that
you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot
often inside case you shield this hike.
Excellent article. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as well..
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it,
you’re a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back sometime soon. I want to encourage continue your great
writing, have a nice afternoon!
I have learn a few just right stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how a lot attempt you set to create the sort of
fantastic informative web site.