Why You Should Visit Cappadocia Turkey

Let’s discuss why you should visit Cappadocia Turkey. Located in central Turkey, it is a world-renowned location for hot-air ballooning.

Also, the region has been called “fairy chimneys” because of its amazing rock formations. There are caves carved in the valley walls that date back to the Bronze Age ( c. 3300 – c. 1200 BC).

Now for a Bit of History on Cappadocia Turkey

In the late Bronze Age Cappadocia was known as was The Hittites formed one of the first major civilizations of the Bronze Age.

Around the sixth century BC Cappadocia was ruled by a feudal aristocracy.

Persian colonists resided in the Cappadocian Kingdom after the end of the Persian Empire. Later it became a Roman and Byzantine province.

In 314 AD Cappadocia was the largest province in the Roman Empire.

Because of the Byzantine military campaigns Armenians spread throughout the country. Cappadocia has many underground cities the Christians used to avoid persecution.

By the 12th century, Turkish power dominated the area. Cappadocia was part of the Ottoman Empire until 1922 when it became part of modern-day Turkey.

Some Interesting Facts about Cappadocia

• it has a continental climate with snowy winters and hot dry summers
• the region is made up of several provinces. Nivshehir is the main province of Cappadocia;
• Some interesting places: Mustafapasa: an old Greek village; Goreme has cave houses built into the Fairy Chimneys; Avanos: a pottery town divided into two by the Kizilirmak River which is the longest river in Turkey; Uchisar, the highest point in the region with a natural rock castle; Urgup, it is the biggest town right in the heart of Cappadocia
• the population of Cappadocia Turkey is approximately 310,011
• because of its unique cultural, historical, religious, and geological features, it is a popular tourist destination
• the most popular cities visited by tourists are Nigde, Kayseri, Neysehir, and Aksaray
• there is an airport and railway in Kayseri
• the three main castles are Urgup Kadikalesi (Temenni Tepe), Ortahisar, and Uchisar
• the best cave houses and historic mansions are Uchisar, Goreme, Urgup, and Guzelyurt
• the popular underground cities are Ozkonak, Gaziemir, Derinkuyu, and Kaymakli
• backpacking or trekking is best in Goreme, Ihlara Valley, Urgup, and Monastery Valley (Guzelyurt)
• Goreme is the best place for hot air ballooning
• Cappadocia Turkey has been the location of several films because of its topography
• the area has hosted bike tours and running events
• some of the popular churches are Kokar Church, Dark Castle Church, Jacinth Church, and Kirkdamalti Church (also known as St George Church).

Things to Do in Cappadocia Turkey

• Take a Ride in a Hot Air Balloon — this is a unique experience in that you are surrounded by approximately 200 other balloons while viewing the scenery.
• Uçhisar Castle — one of the tallest points in the area, it is now open to tourists but was occupied until the 1960s. Here you will find cave rooms with fantastic views.
• Kaymakli  — this is a wide cave and at the entrance, there is a documentary that explains how the underground cities were created. They were only inhabited when there was a threat of invasion to the villages. Within there are large ventilation shafts as the city goes deep underground. There is also a church, kitchen, wine-pressing chambers, and other rooms.
• Devrent Valley – Imagination Valley — your kids will love this area as they will get to use their imagination while viewing these unique rock formations and guessing what they resemble.
• Ihlara Valley — about a 40-minute drive from Goreme there is a restaurant in the Ihlara village and the southern entrance of the valley provides a trail that ends in Belisirma. You have the option to grab a taxi in Belisirma if you don’t want to hike back. In this river valley, you are surrounded by lush green scenery. Some of the churches in the area have frescoes that date back to 900 AD. One way the walk is 6.5 km (4 miles) and takes about 4 hours at a leisurely pace with a few stops.
• Hiking — there are so many areas within the several valleys that are wonderful for nature hikes with the entire family since most of these trails are very manageable.
• Açık Saray Museum — the site entrance is just off the main road and you can park at the official museum entrance and then it is a short walk to see the rock-cut mansions.
• Rose & Red Valley — this is a beautiful hiking area with wonderful views. The colors and rock formations are stunning. Also, this area does not have a lot of tourist activity. There are cave houses and churches along the way which provide great places to take a break.
• Love & Pigeon Valley — here you will find small pigeon-sized holes carved into the rock walls. The holes were carved to create areas for nests for the pigeons. The pigeon manure provided fertilizer for people living in the valley. As you hike through these two valleys you will come upon Uçhisar Castle where you can have lunch or a cup of tea. Then head back to Goreme through Love Valley which is known for its fairy chimneys. Love Valley is a great place to photograph air balloons.
• Open Air Museums — Göreme Open Air Museum is located just outside of the main village. Inside there are caves houses, churches, and frescoes. Açık Saray Museum is off the tourist area and has been abandoned. The gates are open and free to enter. Plus, the wildflowers are in bloom in early May. As you stroll the path you will find a cathedral, a church, and cave houses.
• Photoshoots of the Area — there are so many opportunities to take photos of this fantastic scenery.
• Sunset View Point — this gorgeous area is a must-see and the best times are sunrise and sunset. The balloons are in the air at sunrise.
• Özkonak — this is a smaller underground city and less visited than others. Outside the exit, you will find a grassy area with cave dwellings above ground.
• Underground Cities — there are over 30 underground cities in the region and are fascinating to visit. Some go four stories below the earth. The maze-like walkways are intriguing and your kids will love the experience.
• Derinkuyu — this is the most visited underground city and the deepest. It is 8 floors deep.
• Horse Riding Tours — take a 2-hour horse riding tour through Rose and Red Valley.
• Pottery Making — take a drive over to Avanos and check out the town of pottery evidenced by the red clay on the river banks. There are several ateliers and workshops to visit. Take an art course at one of the family-run ateliers.
• Red and Green Tours — the green tours focus on the underground cities while the red tours are all about the culture and history of Cappadocia.

Many Reasons to Visit Cappadocia Turkey

Cappadocia Turkey is a region of the world right out of a fairy tale. With its hot air balloons, caves, fairy chimneys, and incredible scenery it has a mystique that keeps one mesmerized throughout the visit. It has something that everyone will find fascinating.

There are a variety of accommodations in Cappadocia. The main village is Goreme, which is the most popular place to stay, and the second favorite of travelers is Uchisar. This area also is a great vantage point for viewing the air balloons.

In Goreme, the high-end option is Divan Cave Suites with great views of the area. A mid-range option is Grand Elite Cave Suites with a pool and breakfast. The Garden Cave Hotel provides a good budget option with friendly staff and good views.

This is a superb part of the world to visit and deserves consideration on any person’s destination list. I’m sure you will find at least one or two reasons to visit Cappadocia Turkey.

Happy travels,

Joseph William

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