7 Valid Reasons to Go to Cappadocia

Cappadocia; is a region that emerged 60 million years ago when the soft layer formed by the lava and ashes of Erciyes, Hasandağı and Güllü Dağ was eroded by rain and wind over many years. Cappadocia, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, stands out as one of the most tourist-intensive regions of our country with its landscape and interesting structure. Cappadocia is beautiful in every season, for this reason, those who go there are eager to go again. So what are 10 valid reasons for you to go to Cappadocia? We tell you in this article.

1. Natural Beauty: Fairy Chimneys

The most beautiful examples of fairy chimneys, which are only found in a few places in the world, are found in the valleys between Avanos-Uchisar-Urgup in Cappadocia.

How Are These Fairy Chimneys Formed?

Lava and molds coming out of volcanoes form a layer on the surface. The plateau, which is shaped by the materials coming out of the main volcanoes, is constantly changing with the eruptions of smaller volcanoes. The formed tuff layer is shaped by external factors such as streams, lakes, wind and rain, and fairy chimneys take their current form.

In the past, these fairy chimneys were also used as settlements. During the times when Christianity spread, they were hollowed out and turned into places of worship, and even used as tombs in the Roman period. The churches and houses carved into the rocks also served as shelters for people trying to escape the oppression of the Roman Empire. In addition to the fact that fairy chimneys are quite interesting due to their natural formation, the life stories lived in these natural beauties are also quite interesting.

2. Unique and Mysterious Underground Cities

The Cappadocia region was frequently attacked in the past. The people living in this region built underground living spaces for themselves, especially to protect themselves from Roman, Arab and Byzantine attacks. The underground cities built are unique to the geological structure of the Cappadocia region. It is said that the number of underground cities in Cappadocia has reached 200, but the number of known cities is 36.

Derinkuyu Underground City

It is one of the deepest and widest underground cities in Cappadocia. This underground city takes its name from the 52 water wells it contains. The water wells go down to a depth of 60-70 meters, meeting the water needs of the underground cities and providing ventilation. Although the underground cities in Cappadocia have similar purposes, unique defense systems stand out in this city. Round stones were placed to prevent entrances in case of danger, and the corridors on the city floors were connected to each other with stairs.

Kaymaklı Underground City

It is one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia. It is almost half the size of Derinkuyu Underground City. This underground city has been on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List since 1984.

3. Unique Sunrise View

One of the things that must be done when you go to Cappadocia is to wake up at sunrise and enjoy the unique view. When the balloons, which have become the symbol of Cappadocia, take off, you can take perfect photos when the sky is golden!

4. Balloon Tour

You can watch the balloons at sunrise or get in them and watch the unique view from above. When you get on the balloons driven by the wind, you will feel as free as a bird.

5. Delicious Foods

One of the things that make Cappadocia unforgettable is its delicious local dishes. If we list the dishes that must be eaten when you go to Cappadocia:

Çömlek Beans

Testi Kebab

Chicken Stew

Stuffed Apricot

Düğü Soup

Stuffed Quince

Milk Soup

Nevşehir Tava

6. Wines

One of the activities that can be done when visiting Cappadocia is to taste wine. The region offers the opportunity to try many types of wine at the same time. Although the beginning of wine production in Cappadocia is not exactly known, the first findings date back 6,000 years. The abundance of viticulture in Cappadocia stems from the Kızılırmak River and the tuffaceous soil specific to the region. The tuffaceous soil allows the vines to produce quality grapes and prevents lice from living in the vines. Thanks to the volcanic structure of Cappadocia, rocks are carved and used as cellars, resulting in wines with excellent flavor.

7. Pottery

The Kızılırmak River, which passes through the middle of Avanos, has been instrumental in the birth of an art in this region. The Kızılırmak River leaves tuffaceous red soil where it passes, and this soil is used in making pottery. Avanos, where you will feel like an artist in the pottery workshops, is one of the must-see spots in Cappadocia.

Written by: Ece Var