There are many places in the World that you can see fairy chimneys but no where as intensively as Cappadocia. The Times listed Cappadocia 5th in the “New 25 Wonders of the World” list. Also, it has been on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List since 1985.
From the first day you come here, you will understand that Cappadocia is the best place to visit in Turkey with its nature, history, and legends. You will find everything like art, culture, sports, entertainment, and romance all in one destination depending on your interests.
Cappadocia also has a mystical atmosphere with its unique geography where you can discover all sorts of mysteries. In short, words are not enough to describe this place, and if you have not yet been, you need to go and see it with your own eyes.
Cappadocia Tours offers you a chance to visit the famous valleys like Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, Devrent Valley. Also, there are many other must-see places like Goreme Open Air Museum, the Underground Cities, Uchisar Castle, and many more.
You can join Cappadocia Tours From Istanbul by using domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia while staying in Istanbul and then you can enjoy staying in a Cave Hotel whilst in Cappadocia. Also, do not missan incredible Hot Air Balloon Ride once you go there, which is one of the most preferred activities in Cappadocia. A Hot Air Balloon Flight gives you a chance to see all over Cappadocia from high up in the air – the views are incredible and this truly is a once in a lifetime adventure.
The Importance of Cappadocia
Cappadocia is located between Nevsehir, Kırsehir, Nigde, Aksaray and Kayseri. About 60 million years ago, the volcanic area was created by Mount Erciyes, Mount Rose, and Mount Hasan. The ashy and soft layer of the volcanic rock has made a very unique geological area. The fairy chimneys were formed by erosion by rainwater which has led to all the strange and wonderful rock formations.
Traces of human life in this region extend to the Paleolithic period. Hittite’s lived in this area and it is now becoming one of the most important centers of early Christianity. During the Roman Empire, Christianity was not allowed so the Christians fled underground. The natural rock formations like underground cities, fairy chimneys, and caves allowed Christians to live in safety in secrecy. There are also many churches carved into the rocks and built in the underground cities in the region. Many of these still have beautifully painted frescoes on the walls.
History of Cappadocia
Cappadocia was one of the most important cities, located on the Silk Road during the Hittite period. That’s why it became one of the trade centers of the area. When it came to the 12th century, the Hittite Empire collapsed.
In the 6th century B.C, the Persian Empire gave its current name to Cappadocia, which means the Land of Beautiful Horses. In 332 BC, Alexander the Great defeated the Persian Empire, and then he established the Kingdom of Cappadocia. In the 3rd century AD, Cappadocia became a place for Christians who escaped Roman oppression. The region has natural conditions for a living a secret life and survival.
In the 11th and 12th centuries, the influence of the Seljuks can be seen. However when the Ottoman Empire created a peace treaty the last Christians left in Cappadocia emigrated away after the Treaty of Lausanne.