60 MILLION-YEAR-OLD MASTERPIECES: CAPPADOCİA

Of course, other regions of the world, even in different places, even in Turkey's fairy chimneys. But nowhere can you see it as intensely as in Cappadocia. Cappadocia is a truly masterpiece, formed by the erosion of rain and wind over millions of years of layers formed by lava and ashes sprayed by Erciyes, Hasandağı and Güllüdağ, 60 million years ago. We do not call it a masterpiece for nothing; Cappadocia ranks 5th on the "New 25 Wonders of the World" list published in the Times and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985.

Cappadocia; not only naturally formed fairy chimneys; It is also a mysterious place with the underground cities carved into these chimneys and what happened in these cities in the past. In Cappadocia, which spreads over a very large region; We recommend that you write the Cappadocia center hotels, especially the cave hotels, to the first place in your accommodation options. In Cappadocia, you will have many options from five star hotels to hostels; Ürgüp, Göreme, Uçhisar, Ortahisar and Avanos. Cappadocia hotel prices; from charming cave hotels to boutique hotels.

WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO EAT IN CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia, located on the historical Silk Road, became a very rich and popular center during the Hittites period. By the 6th century BC, the Persian Empire gave the region its present name, which means "Land of Beautiful Horses". In 332 BC, Alexander the Great captured the region and established the Kingdom of Cappadocia. In 17 BC, the story of the Roman Empire settled in Cappadocia and the famous underground cities of Cappadocia started with it.

3. century, Christians come to Cappadocia and the region becomes a center of education and thought for them. However, the pressure of Rome, who has not yet adopted Christianity, on Christians increases. In this period, the rock houses and churches carved into the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia became a shelter, worship and living space for the early Christians who escaped from the pressures of pagan Rome. Eventually, the region passed into the hands of the Seljuks and then the Ottomans in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Of course, there are many places to see in this magical, unique region. . For example, to your Cappadocia tour; You can start with Göreme Open Air Museum. Here, there are many churches, chapels and living areas where the monastic life began, Christians escaping from the pressures of Rome carved rocks. Girls-Boys Monastery, Elmalı Church, Çarıklı Church, Dark Church, St. Barbara and St. Basil Churches will fascinate you with their unique frescoes and structures that integrate with the geography they are located in.

Next; You should definitely see the Güvercinlik Valley starting from Uçhisar and extending to Göreme. The region took its name from pigeon nests carved into the rocks. Until the 9th century, the people living in the region used the fertilizers of the pigeons in the vineyards and their eggs in the frescoes.

Between the apricot trees and vineyards, in the 7th century. Güllüdere Valley, where you can see the Three Crossed Church and Ayvalı Church, is one of the must-see places with the walking track where you can witness the beauty of the fairy chimneys.

Starting from Örencik, Göreme- Love Valley, also known as Bagidere Valley, continuing to Avanos road; Zemi Valley with a length of 5600 meters, where you can also see Sarnıç Church, Görkündere Church, Hidden Church and El Nazar Church; Paşabağ Priests Valley, where Saint Simeon is said to have lived in seclusion for 15 years; Devrent Valley, also known as Perili Valley, has fairy chimneys in different silhouettes that are likened to many different animals; Zelve Valley, where Üzümlü, Balıklı and Geyikli Churches are located; You should add the village of Çavuşin, built under a huge rock mass, including the Church of St. John the Baptist and Çavuşin, built in the 5th century, and Özkonak Underground City, which is thought to have been built in the 4th century BC.

Also; Uçhisar Castle, which completely lays the Cappadocia region under your feet; Cevizli, also known as Peribacası Creek, with many houses carved into the rocks; the Tığraz Castle, which has seven floors and contains many rooms and cellars connected by tunnels; The Sarıhan Caravanserai built by the Seljuk ruler İzzettin Keykavus in the 13th century; You should not leave Cappadocia without seeing the Alaaddin Mosque, which was built by Alaaddin Keykubat in 1202.

Cappadocia is also home to one of the most diverse museums in the world. Avanos Hair Museum, located in a 500 square meter cave in which around 16,000 women's hair is exhibited, managed to enter the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 with this feature. At the Cappadocia Art and History Museum, the history and culture of the region were tried to be explained with more than 200 dolls in costumes. It is worth seeing.

When you come to Cappadocia, it is not possible without seeing the famous Ihlara Valley. The canyon, 120 meters deep and 14 kilometers long, is reached by descending a 397-step ladder. With the beauties you will see at the end, you will see that it is well worth it.

Cappadocia is a region with many underground cities, churches and natural beauties that we cannot fit here. If you want to see this masterpiece from the sky, you should definitely try the hot air balloons that can rise up to 1500 meters. The tours take an average of one hour.

During your trip to Cappadocia, which you cannot fit in just one day, you will not be able to try the Cappadocia cuisine, which also carries traces of this rich history. Test Kebab is the most famous dish of the region. Testi kebab; It is prepared from onion, garlic, tomato and lamb's forearm. It is then cooked in a pot covered with potato or dough and served by breaking the pot. Except for Test Kebab; Other Cappadocia delicacies that are worthy of your mouth are Stuffed Stuffed Grape Leaves, Rose Pastry, Sheet Pan and Wedding Soup. You can end this magnificent feast with Aside dessert or with rice puddings made in pot.

Before leaving Cappadocia, from truffles sold in Europe for thousands of euros per kilo; Zultanite or Onyx stone products; Pottery from Avanos and Chech Ceramic; You can buy it from Köftür dessert, which is obtained by adding flour by squeezing grape juice and dried cream produced in the town of Kaymaklı in Derinkuyu district.

DO NOT GO WITHOUT DOING

There are so many places to see in Cappadocia. We hope that when you go to this magical geography, you will have the opportunity to see everywhere. To say though; Be sure to see the cave houses, churches and fairy chimneys carved into the rocks. Add the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Çavuşin to your list.

• Stay in authentic cave hotels where you can breathe the mysterious air of Cappadocia.
• Be sure to visit Uçhisar and Ortahisar Castles.
• Take part in nature walks in Ihlara Valley.
• Enjoy a bird's eye view of the whole Cappadocia region with a hot air balloon.
• Pottery and onyx hedge from Avanos Do not return without buying possessive items.