Cappadocia, Cappadocia, Cappadocia

Friends from Corvallis told us that their trip to Cappadocia was the best part of 2012 and that was a good enough endorsement for us so off we went.  Getting off the plane you noticed the fresh, light air.  We never did put our finger on why, but the whole visit was relaxing.

Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey that was first settled before the bronze age. We visited a little tiny museum with axes dated 5,500-8,000BC! Christians occupied the area in the 2nd century and built extensive dwellings in the strange volcanic geologic formation and in the hillsides.  They were hiding from persecution by the Romans.  Underground cities were built out of the tuft formations that extended 70m (200feet) below the ground.  We toured a cave that had a community of 1,000 people and their donkeys.  It was very elaborate with ventilation tunnels, wells, rolling-stone doors and a labyrinth of rooms including churches, kitchens and stables.

Our view from the Cave Hotel of the city of Urgup

Pyroclastic volcanic eruptions created deep layers of soft tuft
overlain by basalt that eroded to form an eerie landscape.

The cities are built on, in and under the tuft formations.

Cappadocia is an agricultural region where famous
Anatolian wool carpets come from.

A typical street scene.  Women hang out in groups chatting
while the men sit around tables playing cards and backgammon.

The view we woke up to on our last day!

Vineyards are 4,000 years old in Cappadocia
making for some delicious wine!

A church built in a cave from 400-800AD..