Human civilization in a Volcanic Terrain-Cappadocia the most magical place on earth

Nestled in the heart of the Anatolia region in Turkey, Cappadocia is Turkey’s most visited tourist destination. Cappadocia formed as a result of erosion sculpting soft volcanic rock to form unique features such as waves, clefts, and pinnacles. The region has also naturally formed rounded and jagged rocks, hills, and valleys. Erosion shaped the incredible landscape of Turkey’s Goreme valley, but beginning In the 4^th century A.D. humans began carving an incredible chamber and tunnel complex into the soft rock. Now the Cappadocia becomes an urbanized cultural landscape in turkey.

Cappadocia,” or “Kapadokya” in Turkish, means “land of beautiful horses”. Since ancient times, Cappadocia is one of the world’s most outstanding places and it is one of the must-see destinations in Turkey.

Geology

Neogene-Quaternary volcanic rocks, around sedimentary basins, cover an extensive tract of the Central Anatolian Plateau. Volcanic eruptions covered this region with Tuff rock and ashes, nearly, tens of meters thick. Wind and water worked as an erosion agents on this plateau, leaving only its harder elements behind to form an amazing landscape. The area consists of cones, Deep Gorges, Pillars, pinnacles, mushrooms, and chimneys, which stretch as far as 40 meters into the sky. With these wonders of nature and then combined with human cave craftsmanship Cappadocia became one of the best tourist destinations in the world.

Underground cities

Cappadocia is a well-settled kingdom not just above the surface but also underneath as well. The rocky wonderland consists of a network of human-created caves; living quarters, places of worship, stables, and storehouses were all dug into the soft Tuff stone. Apart from this tunnel complexes formed entire towns with as many as eight different stories hidden underground.  These underground cities were originally used to hide from plundering armies who crossed central Anatolia. The biggest underground cities are Derinkuyu which housed a staggering 20,000 people.

Cave Stay

Goreme valley was inhabited as early as the Hittite era, 1800 to 1200 B.C. local people made their unique homes inside the rock walls, which attract tourists to Cappadocia. These traditional cave homes were turned into hotels with natural geographical scenery. They offer modern facilities such as hot water, TV, satellite, and Internet facility.

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Hot Air Balloon Ride

Cappadocia is the best place in the world to be explored by a hot air balloon. The spectacular landscapes of the Cappadocia can be best experienced from the sky. The colorful hot air balloons can gently go over valleys and give tourists a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a popular hot balloon riding destination, every morning before sunrise, hundreds of hot air balloons are fired up across Cappadocia. Dozens of passenger takes on hot air balloons for a birds-eye view of unique rock formations.

The town of Goreme is the main tourist center. Apart from this Nevsehir, Avanos, and Urgup also have tourist facilities. Kayseri is the nearest airport to here.  Buses are also available from Istanbul and Ankara to the Cappadocia.