Situated in Central Anatolia, Cappadocia stands out as one of Turkey’s significant cultural, historical, and geographical landmarks. It is not only a must-visit destination in Turkey but also ranks high among the most sought-after places globally.

Furthermore, Cappadocia is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site. The fairy chimneys and cave dwellings in the region, rare beauties not easily found elsewhere in the world, attract attention from people worldwide.

Perched on a plateau at an altitude of up to 10,000 meters above sea level, Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys are purely natural wonders. These fairy chimneys are, in fact, formations of natural rock.

Erosion, volcanic activity, and the abrasive effects of wind have shaped these cone and mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys over millions of years. The first human settlement in the region is estimated to have occurred 10,000 years ago.

The formation of Cappadocia’s cave dwellings dates back 2,000 years. Basalt layers and tuff formations resulting from volcanic eruptions, shaped over the years by rain, wind, and environmental factors, became suitable for human use. People carved these formations into homes, creating cave dwellings that served various civilizations throughout history.

Hot Air Balloon Adventure In Cappadocia

To experience the unparalleled beauty of Cappadocia, a hot air balloon adventure is a must. After embarking on a hot air balloon ride, you can witness the powerful impact of fairy chimneys, cave homes, and other historically valuable assets on visitors.

If you are a tourist visiting Cappadocia, taking a hot air balloon tour should be at the top of your to-do list. Other visitors on the ground can also enjoy the colorful flights of these hot air balloons, witnessing a unique spectacle.

For photography enthusiasts, the opportunity to capture this rare visual feast awaits. The beautifully colored hot air balloons flying in the skies of Cappadocia are a globally recognized and awe-inspiring activity. Every year, 500,000 people from various countries flock to Cappadocia to participate in the hot air balloon tours, leading to an increasing number of tourists visiting the region.

History And Mythology: Göreme Open-Air Museum

The place known as the Göreme Open-Air Museum refers to an ancient rock settlement area located in the eastern part of the Göreme town. This area is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This magnificent region has been a strong religious center until the 4th century AD. Structures such as chapels, churches, houses, and refectories were carved into the rocks in this area. The Göreme

Open-Air Museum is considered the place where the foundations of the still-existing monastery education system were laid. The rock churches in this region are famous for their wall paintings depicting Jesus, apostles, and scenes from the Bible and the Torah.

You can visit many historical sites in the Göreme Open-Air Museum, such as the Snake Church, Catherine Church, Dark Church, Basilica Church, Malta Cross Church, Barbara Church, and the Girls and Boys Monastery.

Hiking And Trekking Routes In Cappadocia

Cappadocia offers truly successful walking and trekking routes in a beauty that has no equal in the world. Moreover, for those who engage in climbing sports, there are also opportunities in Cappadocia.

Most of the trails you will visit will be accompanied by magnificent natural formations, caves, and both natural and cultural breathtaking beauty. Besides these beauties, another feature waiting for you on these routes is the peace you can feel to your very bones.

I am listing the best routes in Cappadocia for you: Ihlara Valley, Love Valley, White Valley, Swords Valley, Pigeon Valley, Red Valley, Devrent Valley, Cat Valley, Meskendir Valley, Gomeda Valley, and Güzelyurt Valley.

Cave Hotels And Accommodation Experience In Cappadocia

Cappadocia, recognized as a world heritage site, offers unique beauty with its cave houses, as I mentioned earlier.

Some of these cave living spaces, which date back thousands of years, are operated as cave hotels, aiming to provide those staying in Cappadocia with a unique experience and an indescribable atmosphere, allowing them to fully absorb the region’s atmosphere.

Due to its suitability for accommodation businesses, the number of cave hotels is increasing day by day. For now, you can see cave hotels more frequently in the surroundings of Göreme, Avanos, and Ürgüp.

I will try to present you with a shortlist of the most popular and preferred cave hotels in Cappadocia; Dere Suite, Goreme Inn Hotel, Fresco Cave Suites, Eyes of Cappadocia Cave Hotel, Magic Cave House, and many more cave hotels can be added to the list.

Local Flavors And Wines Of Cappadocia

After longing for the dream of Cappadocia and coming to Cappadocia, if those who come think they will only see magnificent fairy chimneys and cave houses, I want to tell them now that they are mistaken.

Besides all the natural and historical beauties of Cappadocia, I want you to know that its cuisine also offers incredible flavors to visitors of this historical region. I think the flavors of the region truly deserve worldwide recognition and attention. Here are some of those flavors:

• Pottery Kebab: A regional taste made from tomatoes, peppers, butter, and beef. It is cooked with intense heat and can also be prepared with lamb instead of beef.
• Dıvıl: An exquisite taste where a mixture of eggs, salt, flour, and black pepper meets potatoes. Similar to içli köfte, it is served with yogurt.
• Pottery Bean: This regional dish is also known as “White Beans.” It is made with boned meat and dry beans. The meat is placed in a pottery jar and cooked in a tandoor for a long time. It is a dish mostly made on special occasions.
• Dolaz: This is a dessert. By using butter, flour, milk, and eggs, a dessert similar to semolina halva is created. During serving, it is drizzled with honey or molasses and finally sprinkled with walnuts.
• Köftür: A sweet made by preparing a mixture of flour, starch, and grape juice and drying it. It resembles Turkish delight in appearance and is preferred alongside tea and coffee services.

Another topic for which Cappadocia is popular is its wines. In fact, these wines have gained worldwide fame. Wine has been produced in the Cappadocia region for approximately 6,000 years.

What sets Cappadocia wines apart from other wines in the world is their natural storage in caves, creating a refrigeration effect. The taste of Cappadocia wines, preserved naturally, surpasses that of many other wines.

See you in the next post,

Anil UZUN