Cappadocia, a region located in central Turkey, is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Known for its otherworldly landscapes, ancient rock formations, and rich history, Cappadocia has captivated the imaginations of travelers for centuries. But what lies beneath its surface is just as intriguing as the famous fairy chimneys that dot the skyline. Hidden deep underground are vast, sprawling cities that tell the stories of civilizations long past. These underground cities are a marvel of ancient engineering, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, making them a must-see for history buffs, adventurers, and anyone with a taste for the unknown.
In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through these mystical caves of Cappadocia. You will discover the fascinating history of these underground cities, explore the purpose they served, and learn why they continue to captivate visitors from around the globe.
The Enigmatic History of Cappadocia’s Underground Cities
Cappadocia’s underground cities are some of the oldest known in the world. Historians and archaeologists believe that these cities date back as far as the 8th century BC, with some evidence pointing to even earlier origins. While the exact purpose of these subterranean complexes has been debated for centuries, it is generally agreed that they were used as refuges during times of war and invasion.
The Hittites: The Early Architects
The Hittites are often credited with being the first to carve out these underground dwellings. During their reign in the region (1600–1178 BC), the Hittites were often at war with neighboring civilizations. The vast underground networks provided a safe haven from invaders, allowing entire communities to survive undetected for months at a time.
These early underground cities were simple, consisting mainly of storage rooms, kitchens, and sleeping quarters. However, the idea of underground living caught on, and over the centuries, these cities expanded and became more complex.
The Phrygians and Early Christians: Expanding the Cities
By the time the Phrygians (12th–7th centuries BC) and early Christians arrived in Cappadocia, the underground cities had evolved into vast, multi-level complexes. These early Christians, in particular, are known for using these underground cities as hiding places to escape Roman persecution.
What makes these cities so remarkable is not just their size but their complexity. Some of these cities descend as many as 18 stories deep, with tunnels connecting various levels and even different cities. They contained everything needed to sustain life underground, including churches, schools, water wells, stables, and even wine cellars. Each city was equipped with stone doors that could be rolled across entrance tunnels to seal off the inhabitants from the outside world in case of an attack.
A Closer Look: Derinkuyu and Kaymakli
Two of the most famous underground cities in Cappadocia are Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. These cities are prime examples of the ingenuity and resilience of ancient civilizations.
Derinkuyu: The Deepest Underground City
Derinkuyu is the largest and deepest of Cappadocia’s underground cities, reaching an impressive depth of 85 meters (about 280 feet) and stretching across 18 levels. Discovered in 1963, Derinkuyu is believed to have housed up to 20,000 people along with their livestock and supplies.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Derinkuyu is its sophisticated ventilation system, which ensured a steady supply of fresh air even in the deepest levels. The city also had a complex water system that included wells that were accessible only from the underground, ensuring that the inhabitants had a secure water supply even during a siege.
Visitors to Derinkuyu can explore a network of narrow tunnels, communal rooms, and areas that served as churches, kitchens, and stables. The city is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its inhabitants, who created a self-sustaining society far below the earth’s surface.
Kaymakli: A Labyrinth of Tunnels
Kaymakli, located just a few kilometers from Derinkuyu, is another extensive underground city. While it is not as deep as Derinkuyu, Kaymakli is the largest in terms of area, sprawling across eight levels. Only four of these levels are open to the public, but they give a fascinating glimpse into what life was like for the city’s inhabitants.
One of the most impressive features of Kaymakli is its maze-like structure, with tunnels winding in all directions. The city was designed to confuse invaders, making it difficult for anyone unfamiliar with the layout to navigate. The walls are dotted with niches that once held pottery, food supplies, and tools, and visitors can explore living quarters, kitchens, and even a church carved into the rock.
Why Were These Underground Cities Built?
The underground cities of Cappadocia were not built purely out of architectural ambition; they served a very practical purpose. Throughout history, Cappadocia was a crossroads of various civilizations and empires. Its strategic location made it a target for numerous invasions, from the Persians to the Romans and later, the Arabs.
During times of conflict, the inhabitants of Cappadocia retreated into these underground cities, where they could live for extended periods without being detected by their enemies. The cities were carefully designed to be defensible, with narrow passages that could be easily blocked and hidden entrances that were difficult to find.
In addition to their role as refuges during wartime, the underground cities also provided protection from the harsh climate. Cappadocia experiences extreme weather, with scorching summers and freezing winters. The underground cities, with their constant temperature, offered a more stable environment.
How to Visit the Underground Cities of Cappadocia
Today, the underground cities of Cappadocia are open to visitors, offering a unique glimpse into ancient life. If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia, visiting these cities should be at the top of your list. Here’s what you need to know:
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cappadocia is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild. The underground cities can be visited year-round, but exploring them during the extreme heat of summer or the cold of winter can be uncomfortable.
What to Bring
Since you’ll be navigating narrow tunnels and steep stairways, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes and light, breathable clothing. A flashlight can also come in handy, especially in the deeper, dimly lit sections of the cities.
Guided Tours
While you can explore the underground cities on your own, hiring a guide is highly recommended. A knowledgeable guide can provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the cities, helping you appreciate the incredible feats of engineering and ingenuity that went into their construction.
Other Attractions Nearby
While the underground cities are a highlight of any trip to Cappadocia, there is much more to see in the region. Consider taking a hot air balloon ride to get a bird’s eye view of the region’s fairy chimneys, visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum to explore ancient rock-cut churches, or hiking through the scenic valleys of Love Valley and Pigeon Valley.
Preserving Cappadocia’s Heritage
As tourism in Cappadocia continues to grow, it is essential to preserve the region’s historical and cultural heritage. The underground cities, while sturdy, are delicate ecosystems that need to be protected. Visitors should take care not to damage the rock formations or disturb the ancient artifacts that still lie hidden in some parts of the cities.
Efforts are being made to balance tourism with preservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at the wonders of Cappadocia’s underground cities. The Turkish government, along with UNESCO, has been working on conservation projects to maintain the integrity of these sites.
Modern Interest and Research in Cappadocia
In recent years, interest in Cappadocia's underground cities has grown, both from a tourism perspective and as a subject of archaeological study. Excavations continue to uncover new sections of these vast complexes, providing fresh insights into the daily lives of their inhabitants. While only a small fraction of the underground cities is accessible to the public, ongoing research suggests that there may be even more hidden networks yet to be discovered beneath the surface.
In addition to their historical significance, the underground cities are also important for understanding the region's broader cultural evolution. The fact that different civilizations, from the Hittites to the Byzantines, all left their mark on these subterranean spaces speaks to Cappadocia’s role as a cultural crossroads over millennia.
The Future of Cappadocia's Underground Cities
As interest in these underground wonders continues to grow, efforts to preserve them are becoming increasingly important. Sustainable tourism initiatives aim to balance visitor access with the need to protect these fragile sites from damage. Advanced technology is also being used to monitor the structural integrity of the caves and to create detailed 3D maps of the cities, allowing researchers to explore areas that are currently too dangerous for human entry.
The future of Cappadocia’s underground cities is bright, with more visitors and scholars alike taking an interest in their historical and architectural significance. However, preserving these sites for future generations will require careful planning and a continued commitment to conservation.
A Call to Adventure
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through ancient passageways, uncovering hidden histories, or experiencing a part of the world that feels both mystical and timeless, then Cappadocia's underground cities should be at the top of your travel list. These hidden gems offer a unique combination of history, adventure, and awe-inspiring landscapes that are unlike anything else in the world.
Prepare to descend into a forgotten world, where history whispers through the walls and the mysteries of the past come to life with every step. Cappadocia is waiting for you.