The surrealistic geological
formation of Cappadocia is one of the wonders of the world. It is the result
of two opposing forces in nature--volcanic activity in the constructive stage
and erosion in the destructive stage.
This
amazing volcanic area known as Cappadocia offers most incredible geological
formations , fairy chimneys , Rock
Cut Churches, monasteries and rich historical
heritage. The region of Cappadocia has Hittite monuments, rock carvings and unlimited number
of historical mounds waiting for their turn to be excavated. Cappadocia also houses great number painted churches
covering all the periods of Byzantine Art
from the beginning up to 20th century. The valley of Goreme in Cappadocia
developed as an important monastic center after the Iconoclast Period (8th to
9th centuries), when icons and other figurative representations were prohibited.
In Cappadocia
Region, earliest painted churches go back
to 4th century, while the latest churches date back to beginning of 20 the
century. These painted churches in CAppadocia are located mainly at Goreme,
Soganlı Valley, Ihlara
Valley and in some other part as isolated churches.
"Fairy chimneys" in Cappadocia were
formed when lava covering the tuff (consolidated volcanic ash) gave way along
preexisting cracks of sloping areas and became isolated pinnacles.
As the highest point
in Cappadocia Volcanic Region, Uchisar offers a marvelous introduction to the region. Excellent
examples of various types of volcanic formations found in Cappadocia can been
seen from the top of the "fort," a natural rock formation.
The village of
Goreme (formerly known as Avcilar) is located on the banks of the Kodarak River,
which flows through the valley of Goreme in Cappadocia. The village is characterized by the
perfect harmony between its man-made dwellings and its natural environment. The
size of the Goreme village, with its vineyards, fields, and gardens, was determined by
the number of cones used as rock-cut dwellings.
Zelve is one of the
best examples of Cappadocia troglodyte (cave dweller) communities in existence today, and
exemplifies man's ability to adapt himself to his environment in a harmonious
manner. Because the volcanic rocks and cones provided insulation from the
unrelenting heat of summer and the freezing cold of winter, the cave dwellers of
this region developed ingenious ways of creating comfortable living quarters,
churches, monasteries, pigeon houses, and storage areas.
Ortahisar is another
Cappadocian village dominated by a fortress-like
rock rising above winding roads. The present-day town is located at the foot of
the "fortress," and a complicated network of paths leads to abandoned
rock dwellings.
Like many ancient
villages of Cappadocia, old Cavusin was abandoned several decades ago due to
avalanches. The current village of Cavusin is located on the road. Old
Cavusin,
with its rock-cut dwellings and stone houses, had several hermitages.
Avanos, formerly
known as Venassa, was one of the most important cities in ancient Cappadocia. A
local cult of Zeus and Hellenistic tombs (4th to 1st centuries B.C.) found there
indicate that the city had religious, political, and economic prominence.
Another
interesting phenomenon found in Cappadocia is its underground cities. Although
many underground cities were discovered in Cappadocia, the finest examples are
Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, which are located between Nevsehir and Nigde.
Soganli, like other valleys in Cappadocia, exemplifies the harmony
between man and nature. Over the centuries men carved shelters for themselves
in the cliffs and rock cones of the valley. They also used the rocks provided
by nature to create expressions of their religious faith and devotion to God.
In
Cappadocia are the remarkable Ihlara and Belisirama valleys, two historical
and geological treasures of Turkey that were inaccessible to travelers for a
long time due to their location in the Hasan Dag region of central Anatolia.
Magnificent landscape, mosques, and churches of this region provide a richly
textured panorama of Anatolian history, religion, culture, art, and
architecture.
As
to fascinating landscapes of Cappadocia, this can be viewed at Goreme
Village, Uchisar Village, Zelve
Village, Ortahisar Village, Soganli
and Ihlara regions. Another phenomenon at
Cappadocia are the underground cities built
during the time of Arabic Attacks to the region.
Cappadocia, which was a great monastic
center of Byzantine era, was the birthplace of Saint Basil, Gregory of Naziansus
and Gregory of Nysa, known as great Cappadocian fathers.
Cappadocia guide on line has information on this volcanic area,
Cappadocian geological formations, rock cut churches, fairy chimneys,
monasteries, Goreme valley, Hittite Monuments, Goreme
Village, Zelve, Uchisar, Avanos, Pasabag, Ihlara,
soganli, Cappadocian fathers
