CAPPADOCİA
Cappadocia
is an area in Central Anatolia in Turkey best known for its unique
moon-like landscape, underground cities, cave churches and houses
carved in the rocksThe Cappadocian
Region located in the center of the Anatolian Peninsula, with its
valley, canyon, hills and unusual rock formation created as a result
of the eroding rains and winds of thousands of years of the level, lava-covered plain located between the volcanic mountains Erciyes,
Melendiz and Hasan as well as its troglodyte dwellings carved out of
the rock and cities dug out into underground, presents an otherworldly
appearance. The eruptions of these mountains which were active
volcanoes in geological times lasted until 2 million years ago. A soft
tuff layer was formed, 150 m in thickness, by the issuing lavas in the
valley surrounded by mountains. The rivers, flood water running down
the hillsides of valleys and strong winds eroded the geological
formations consisting of tuff on the plateau formed with tuff layers,
thus creating bizarre shapes called fairy Chimneys. These take on the
names of mushroom shaped, pinnacled, capped and conic shaped
formations. The prehistoric settlements of the area are Koskhoyuk (Kosk
Mound) in Nigde, Aksaray Asikli Mound, Nevsehir Civelek cave and, in
the southeast, Kultepe, Kanis and Alisar in the environs of Kayseri.
This area with unusual topographic characteristics was regarded as
sacred and called, in the Scythian/khatti language, as "Khepatukha"
meaning "the Country of the People of the Chief God Hepat" The tablets
called Cappadocian Tablets and the Hittite works of art in Alisar are
of the important remains dating from 2000s B.C. After 1200s B.C., the
Tabal principality, of the Khatti Branches of Scythians, became strong
and founded the Kingdom of Tabal. Following the Late Hittite and
Persian aras, the Cappadocian Kingdom was established in 332 B.C.
During the Roman era the area served as a shelter for the early
escaping Christians. There are also several
underground cities used by early Christians as hideouts in Cappadocia.
 Balloon Rides - are one
of the most popular activities in Goreme. Typically lifting off at
sunrise, these rides last around 45 minutes and literally go wherever
the wind may blow in the Cappadocia Valley. The balloon carriages hold
around ten people with the pilot riding air currents much like a boat,
floating down the valleys, often below the ridge line and quite close to
the chimney rocks. It's a fantastic ride and if you've ever had the urge
to splurge on a balloon ride (approx. 110 euros), this would be the
place to do it. You will certainly be offered the ride (prices are
around 110 euros) while you are in Goreme. Several hot air balloon
companies offer dawn balloon rides, claiming they are better than
anywhere else in the world. Ask around about safety records, as some
operators are better than others.
Hiking - Following the
paths along the valleys is an amazing (and free) option. Check with your
hotel owner or the tourist office for a map of the area with suggested
walks and trails. There are several nice loops on packed dirt, sand and
rock, that maintain a constant elevation and pass through the scenic
valleys.
Cross Golf - Cappadocia
is a national park and its natural environment must be protected for
everyone to enjoy today and in the future.Cross Golf uses the natural
features of the landscape to challenge even the most experienced golfer.
The fairy chimneys, fascinating rock formations and flora and fauna in
the unique environment of Cappadocia remain unaffected by Cross Golf.
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