Turkey - Cappadocia

Until we arrived in this region of Turkey, I hadn't really heard about it but wow, what a totally unique place.  There is nowhere else on earth quite like it.

Cappadocia is a wonder due to its unique and spectacular landscapes, historical significance, and cultural heritage.

The fairy chimneys are a result of a geologic process that began millions of years ago when volcanic eruptions rained ash across what would eventually become Turkey.  That ash hardened into tuff, a porous rock, which was covered by a layer of basalt.  Finally, the long work of erosion began.

Not only was it fascinating to observe these fascination rock formations but to find out that for thousands of years around 20 000 people used to live in caves and in an underground city.  The ancient city of Elengubu, today known as Derinkuyu, burrows more than 85m below the earth's surface and has about 18 levels of tunnels.  We were lucky to be able to explore a small section of the underground.

It is thought that the underground city dates back to around 370BC with its primary purpose as a temporary haven from foreign invaders over the years and protected, at its maximum 20 000, in the Byzantine Era.  Below is a stone door that could only be opened and closed from the inside.

Each level of the city was carefully engineered for specific uses.  Livestock was kept in stables nearest to the surface.  The inner layers contained dwellings, cellars, schools, meeting spaces and wineries.

A complex ventilation system and protected well supplied the city with fresh air and clean water.  

Derinkuyu's story came to a close in 1923 when the Cappadocian Greeks evacuated and existence forgotten until some errant chickens brought the subterranean city back into the light in 1963.  An anonymous local kept losing his chickens.  Upon closer investigation and some digging, the Turk unearthed a dark passageway which was the first of more than 600 entrances into the underground city.  Exploring these passageways proved to be a tight squeeze for Grant!

Now, the fairy chimneys and caves are used for accommodation for the thousands of tourists who flock to see these fascinating formations that pigeons have also made their home!

In another areas of Cappadocia, in narrow canyons, you can find other dwellings, churches and mosques carved into the rock.

Inside some of the churches were some beautiful artwork but we weren't allowed to take pics of them.

This is a monastery that was for women only.  The men's one was opposite.

One of the other attractions that people flock to Cappadocia for is to ride in a hot air balloon.  We didn't elect to go but am allowed to use some of the pics from our fellow tourists who were brave enough to go up at sunrise.

Such a beautiful sight from the ground as well.

To top off a great week exploring Turkey, we were treated to a Turkish Folklore show accompanied by some Turkish wine and beer.  Rosie got up for a wee Turkish boogie but totally enjoyed the group dancing.

One last photo for the Turkey blog, me in the Turkish 'blue eye' tree.  The blue eye, or lucky eye, is believed to protect its wearer from envy and bad energy.  The popular meaning of the Turkish eye is that is possesses protective properties.

So I'm good to go from evil things for awhile and Rosie has a bracelet with the blue eye on it.  Let's hope it works for the rest of our journey.  Only 6 more days to go.