Cappadocia

Have you ever seen enormous mountains that resemble tall, hat-like mushrooms? Or would you like to explore a vast city hidden beneath the earth? Welcome to Cappadocia, located right in the center of Türkiye, in Nevşehir—a place that invites you into a world straight out of a fairy tale!

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Millions of years ago, volcanoes named Erciyes, Hasan Dağı, and Güllü Dağ erupted. These volcanoes did not only spew fire but also lava and ash. This lava and ash covered the entire plateau, forming a soft rock layer known as “tuff.” Over time, rain, wind, and floodwaters eroded this tuff. Where harder rock layers remained protected, hat-shaped rock towers—known as fairy chimneys—were formed.

^Cappadocia (Pixabay)

The people who lived in Cappadocia found a clever way to protect themselves. They carved into the soft tuff rock to create homes, churches, and even enormous underground cities. These places, known as underground cities, served as safe refuges during times of danger. These cities were so large that they contained kitchens, ventilation shafts, and even wine cellars.

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In the early days of Christianity, people persecuted for their beliefs came to Cappadocia and carved churches into the sides of the fairy chimneys. They decorated the walls of these churches with colorful paintings depicting their lives and stories—these are known as frescoes. These churches represent a unique heritage that has survived to the present day.

^{Fresco Example Inside a Fairy Chimney (Photo: Melahat Pamuk)}

Cappadocia is not only a marvel of history and nature but also offers many enjoyable activities. If you wake up early in the morning and look up at the sky, you will see colorful hot air balloons dancing above you. These balloons take you high into the sky, offering a bird’s-eye view of Cappadocia’s unique landscape. You can also explore the valleys on horseback, go cycling, or enjoy nature along walking trails.

The people of ancient times gave the area of modern-day Nevşehir the name Nevşehir, meaning “new city.” Originally, the region was known as Muşkara. In 1954, when Nevşehir became a province, it began to be known by its current name.