Ali Mountain Underground City

Ali Dağı Underground City is located on the slope ascending toward Ali Dağı in the Talas district of Kayseri Province. It was opened to the public in 2010 following cleaning, lighting, surveying, and landscaping works carried out by the Talas Municipality. The official opening took place in June 2011. The structure has been designated as a First-Degree Archaeological Site Area within the Protective Urban Planning Plan.

Ali Dağı Underground City (T.C. Talas Subgovernorship)

Historical Background

While it is difficult to determine with certainty the exact periods of construction and use of underground cities, those in Kayseri and its surroundings are generally believed to have been in use between the 5th and 12th centuries AD. Ali Dağı Underground City is also assessed to have been constructed during this period and subsequently reorganized for various purposes over time.

Architectural Features

Ali Dağı Underground City consists of a total of 528 meters of galleries and structures. Compared to other known underground cities, it does not fully qualify as a true “underground city.” Although the stone entrance gate at the mouth of the main gallery appears to serve a defensive purpose, beyond it lie only a large hall, followed by a tunnel approximately 180 meters long and a cistern 60 meters in length. At the midpoint of the long tunnel leading to the cistern, there is a circular branch turning southwest, which was abandoned before excavation was completed. Three small rooms located north of the current exit point were originally planned as a storage area, kitchen, and church but later acquired the function of a pigeon loft after windows were opened to the exterior. The absence of units within the structure suitable for shelter during defense indicates that it was not designed for military use or long-term habitation.