Cappadocia: Turkey's Marvel

10:11 PM Cappadocia , Hot Air Balloons , Ihlara valley , open air museum , rock-cut mountains , tourism , travel 2 Comments

This otherworldly place that got its name from the Persian word 'katpatuka' meaning 'the land of beautiful horses', is a semi-arid area located in central Anatolia, Turkey. This area was once lava covered but around 2 million years ago, volcanic eruptions ceded and now it stands magnificent, with its valley, canyon, hills and surreal rock formations.

Hot Air Ballooning
Famous for being the best place to go for hot air ballooning, this rugged terrain, at sunset, provides the most breathtaking view as you glide through the valley (ideal for a proposal and must on your bucket list)

Underground Tunnels and Caves

There are up to 8 stories of underground tunnels and caves in Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, Gazimir, Özkona. These portray the fear and need of building them, serving as places to hide from Romans and later Muslims who persecuted the local Christians and raided their cities. 

The Göreme Open Air Museum
This is a must-visit monastic complex, housing multiple monasteries placed alongside one another, each with its own rock-cut church and awe-inspiring Byzantine frescoes (wall paintings). The complex is a manifestation of rock hewn architecture and fresco technique, so much so that it has been a part of UNESCO world heritage that belongs to the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries. A private tour can also be taken for 75 euros which includes travel to and from your local hotel, entrance fees for the museum and churches plus a licensed tour guide.

Zelve Open Air Museum
Located 10 km out from Görem, this marks the place where Christians and Muslims lived in harmony but had to evacuate in the 50's when risk of erosion made life difficult. Now it is a ghost town but serves as a heaven for rock climbers and trekkers. Good trekkers spend a solid 2 hours to walk through the valley.

Ihlara Valley
It is a canyon approximately 100 meters deep, formed by the Melendiz river and housed 80 thousand people once. Now, it is the embodiment of natural beauty where one can pleasantly walk by the vineyards, poplars, pistachio trees while relaxing to the sound of water. It showcases multiple churches as well.

Uchisar and Ortahisar
Both these places have roman rock-cut multi-leveled castles, Uchisal being situated at the highest point in Cappadocia. 

HOTELS
Fairy chimney chapels and cave dwellings have now been remodeled interior into boutique hotels. These flaunt Hamams (Turkish baths), patterned walls and panoramic views that engulf the valley. The tough rocks keep them warm in winter and cold in summer. The facilities prevent the feeling of living away from the cities while the architecture gives the troglodyte experience! 

FROM ISTANBUL
Due to its remoteness, round trip to Cappadocia can be Turing via bus or expensive via plane. By bus, it takes 12 hours to go from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Turkish airlines flies twice a day between the two cities and carries tourists. Traveling by air is a better option if you want a less-tiring start to a wonderful and historical tour of this area.