Saratlı Kırkgöz Underground City

Saratlı Kırkgöz Underground City is located within the boundaries of the Saratlı village, in the Gülağaç district of Aksaray Province, in Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region. It is one of the significant underground settlements of the Cappadocia Region, situated 22 kilometers from Aksaray and 50 kilometers from Nevşehir. Its location along the historic Silk Road has granted it strategic and cultural significance.

Kırkgöz Underground City (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye)

History

The underground city dates back to the Roman period. It was among the shelters constructed by early Christians who sought refuge in the Cappadocia Region to escape persecution during the Roman Empire. The communities living in Saratlı used these underground spaces collectively for weeks or even months during periods of temporary danger.

Excavation work at Saratlı Kırkgöz Underground City began in 2000. After clearing three levels, the site was opened to visitors in 2001. Investigations suggest that the underground settlement may extend up to seven levels in total. The three cleared levels have been prepared for tourism, with landscaping and lighting systems completed.

Kırkgöz Underground City (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye)

Architectural Structure and Features Between Levels

Saratlı Kırkgöz Underground City features a multi-level settlement plan designed for functional use. The structure is estimated to consist of seven levels in total. The settlement comprises approximately 40 distinct spaces, including living quarters, kitchens, ovens, tandır ovens, toilets, baths, and storage rooms (pantries) serving daily life needs.

Unlike other underground cities in Cappadocia, Saratlı Kırkgöz Underground City has a functional ventilation system. Security is ensured by inward-sliding doors made of millstones, which are difficult to detect from the outside. Lighting was provided by lamps fueled by olive oil or animal fat; water needs were met through wells and cisterns located within the structure.

Kırkgöz Underground City (Anadolu Agency)

At the entrance of the settlement, an area interpreted as a stable contains 14 feeding troughs. In the second section following this, seven additional feeding troughs have been uncovered. On the second level, accessible via tunnels, lies a water well approximately 10 meters deep; immediately beside the well, a tandır oven has been carved into the floor. This level also contains three rooms, some of which lead to tunnels that were left unfinished.

Access to the third level is achieved through a sloped tunnel. In the space known as “Kuyulu Dam” on this level, a water well is located, with one room to its right and two rooms to its left. Transitions between levels were designed to allow comfortable movement but are restricted by narrow, controlled passageways for defense and surveillance purposes. The overall architecture of the structure was planned to respond to diverse functional needs.