Cappadocia is the ancient name of a
remarkable region in Central Anatolia. It is a geological wonderland and can be viewed
from three aspects, namely natural, historical and religious. The unusual and exciting
formation of Cappadocia has had this appearance for millions of years as a result of
gradual erosion of volcanic tufa. The region’s history goes back to the 19th century
B.C., starting with the Assyrian traders. Then between 1750-1200 B.C., lower Hittite
Kingdom was formed in Cappadocia, followed by the Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and
Turkish periods. Christianity came early to Cappadocia. St. Paul passed through Cappadocia
on the way to Ankara and Aegina. It is estimated that there are more than 600 rock-cut
churches in Cappadocia. Sightseeing in Cappadocia includes: the Seljuk Caravanserai from
the 13th century, the Fairy Chimneys, Goreme Valley, a complex of rock chapels and
churches covered with frescoes, an underground city made to accommodate several thousands
of early Christians escaping from persecution, Zelve and Avanos Valleys and the natural
citadel of Uchisar offering a splendid view of the valleys of Cappadocia.
Cappadocia is the ancient name of a
remarkable region in Central Anatolia. It is a geological wonderland and can be viewed
from three aspects, namely natural, historical and religious. The unusual and exciting
formation of Cappadocia has had this appearance for millions of years as a result of
gradual erosion of volcanic tufa. The region’s history goes back to the 19th century
B.C., starting with the Assyrian traders. Then between 1750-1200 B.C., lower Hittite
Kingdom was formed in Cappadocia, followed by the Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and
Turkish periods. Christianity came early to Cappadocia. St. Paul passed through Cappadocia
on the way to Ankara and Aegina. It is estimated that there are more than 600 rock-cut
churches in Cappadocia. Sightseeing in Cappadocia includes: the Seljuk Caravanserai from
the 13th century, the Fairy Chimneys, Goreme Valley, a complex of rock chapels and
churches covered with frescoes, an underground city made to accommodate several thousands
of early Christians escaping from persecution, Zelve and Avanos Valleys and the natural
citadel of Uchisar offering a splendid view of the valleys of Cappadocia.