In Nevşehir province, Cappadocia was formed millions of years ago due to the erosion of lava and ash from Mount Hasan, Mount Güllü, and Mount Erciyes caused by natural conditions such as rain and wind. The region has a long history dating back to the Assyrians and Hittites, and various civilizations have ruled the region.
Cappadocia, where traces of the late Paleolithic period have been found, was uninhabited for a long time. It is assumed that volcanic eruptions prevented settlement. However, various stones and tools that prove hunting and gathering activities show that there was some settlement during the Neolithic period. Byzantine and Roman rule dominated the region in ancient times, and later Turkish rule.
Turkish rule in the region begins with the Seljuk period. Later, Anatolian Beyliks and the Ottoman Empire ruled the region, and after the War of Independence, the region came completely under the rule of the Republic of Turkey. The origin of the word "Cappadocia" comes from Persian. However, when the region was under the rule of Byzantium and Rome, the use of the Latin alphabet caused the word to change. In Persian, it is "Katpa Tuka," in English it is "Cappadocia," and in Turkish it is "Kapadokya." The meaning of the word is "Land of Beautiful Horses." During the Roman Empire period, a great war broke out with the Persians. After the Persians seized the area where Cappadocia is located, they seized the best horses in the region. Due to these horses, they called the area "Katpa Tuka," meaning "Land of Beautiful Horses."
Historical Places in Cappadocia
Göreme, which is among the UNESCO World Heritage sites located in Cappadocia, welcomes visitors from all over the world. Centuries ago, people carved rocks to build their homes with the aim of living in this area. Cappadocia houses, located at the top of the valley, are one of the most visited places in the region. The houses have rooms, kitchens, cellars, wineries, and storage areas.
The Göreme Open Air Museum is important for the history of Cappadocia. The museum includes the Girls' Monastery, Boys' Monastery, Church of the Sandals, St. Barbara, St. Basil Churches, Dark Church, and Elmali Monastery. The museum was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1985. The museum is located in Göreme, one of the most special places in Cappadocia. It was built for educational purposes by Bishop St. Basil, and later, areas such as churches, kitchens, and chapels were added. Admission to the museum is charged and can be visited with a museum card or single-use tickets at the entrance.
The Aynali Church, located about 500 meters from Göreme, has a different structure than other historic churches. In addition to areas such as kitchens and storage, there are hidden passages in the church for hiding. There are only a few red-colored shapes inside. Another important historical site for Cappadocia is the Firkatan Church. As it is close to the courthouse, it is assumed that the people who worked in the courthouse lived there during the period it was built. Other places you can add to your list of visits may be Hallac Monastery, Uzumlu Church, and the Göreme Churches.
The Natural Beauties of Cappadocia
Cappadocia offers a unique beauty in every season with its location and natural beauties. The first stop for local and foreign tourists when they come to Cappadocia is the Fairy Chimneys. The Fairy Chimneys were actually formed by the transformation of an area that was once a sea millions of years ago. After the volcanoes dried up the sea, a hole appeared, and lava began to fill the hole. This continued until the volcano went out, and then the rivers began to erode the lava. After thousands of years with the help of the wind, a wavy and unique landscape emerged. The winds have caused significant erosion, and some parts have detached from the valley. Over time, the image of the Fairy Chimneys has emerged. The Fairy Chimneys create a heavenly view in every season.
The Göreme Open Air Museum is important for the history of Cappadocia. The museum includes the Girls' Monastery, Boys' Monastery, Church of the Sandals, St. Barbara, St. Basil Churches, Dark Church, and Elmali Monastery. The museum was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1985. The museum is located in Göreme, one of the most special places in Cappadocia. It was built for educational purposes by Bishop St. Basil, and later, areas such as churches, kitchens, and chapels were added. Admission to the museum is charged and can be visited with a museum card or single-use tickets at the entrance.
The Aynali Church, located about 500 meters from Göreme, has a different structure than other historic churches. In addition to areas such as kitchens and storage, there are hidden passages in the church for hiding. There are only a few red-colored shapes inside. Another important historical site for Cappadocia is the Firkatan Church. As it is close to the courthouse, it is assumed that the people who worked in the courthouse lived there during the period it was built. Other places you can add to your list of visits may be Hallac Monastery, Uzumlu Church, and the Göreme Churches.
The Natural Beauties of Cappadocia
Cappadocia offers a unique beauty in every season with its location and natural beauties. The first stop for local and foreign tourists when they come to Cappadocia is the Fairy Chimneys. The Fairy Chimneys were actually formed by the transformation of an area that was once a sea millions of years ago. After the volcanoes dried up the sea, a hole appeared, and lava began to fill the hole. This continued until the volcano went out, and then the rivers began to erode the lava. After thousands of years with the help of the wind, a wavy and unique landscape emerged. The winds have caused significant erosion, and some parts have detached from the valley. Over time, the image of the Fairy Chimneys has emerged. The Fairy Chimneys create a heavenly view in every season.
You can add adventure to your Cappadocia tour by renting an ATV. You can also participate in many events organized in various valleys. The natural structure of the valleys has made ATV use widespread. There is no need for a license or training to use an ATV. You can enjoy the tour even more with the guidance of a guide who knows the region well.
Trekking is one of the most enjoyable activities to do in Cappadocia and its valleys, which host some of the rarest natural features in the world. Try joining trekking and cycling tours to exercise and explore the region with a scenic view. The region has the most suitable soil conditions for mountain biking, and festivals and events are now being organized for cycling. Although not well known, a sport has emerged in Cappadocia in recent years. Cross golf. Cross golf is played in a designated area using the advantageous surface shapes of Cappadocia.
What to Eat and Drink in Cappadocia?
Turkey is a very generous country when it comes to cuisine. Almost every city has a different culinary culture. These differences create a mosaic in terms of taste. Cappadocia has a unique cuisine with its own flavors. It even has a kebab named after itself, Cappadocia pottery kebab. Its location in Central Anatolia has influenced the cuisine. Legumes, meat, and grains are dominant in the cuisine. Pottery bean, bulgur pilaf, lamb tandir, and chickpea stew are regional delicacies. Apricots, which are considered fruit in many places, are eaten stuffed with meat in Cappadocia. The preparation is challenging, but eating it is incredibly enjoyable. Similarly, stuffed quince is also a different flavor. Milk soup, another unique flavor, is a must-try. The soup, which combines milk and bulgur, is one of the most demanded flavors by visitors.
We also recommend not leaving without trying dolaz, made with eggs, flour, and milk; dıvıl, a combination of potatoes and bulgur shaped like meatballs; ağpakla, where white beans and meat are cooked in a clay pot; and sızgıt, a meat dish.
We can say that Anadolu and wine met through Cappadocia without exaggeration. That's why wine tasting events and grape harvest festivals are held in Cappadocia every year. If you time your vacation during these times, you can taste the wines produced in the region and visit their cellars.
How to Get to Cappadocia
There is no direct air transportation to Cappadocia. After the Nevşehir and Kayseri flights, it is possible to reach the region by vehicles. Those who use air transportation can take a transfer or rent a car after landing. Taxis are expensive but still a common method of transportation. Therefore, traveling to the region is generally provided by private vehicles or buses. Private vehicles are more comfortable than buses. Buses from all cities in Turkey can reach the region.
