The Turkish region of Cappadocia, a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage, boasts one of the most dramatic sights in the world.
Visiting Cappadocia is such a change from visiting many other busy bustling sights all over Turkey. It is a great pleasure to wander in the vast open space filled with captivating natural attractions which have seen human history dated back in the Bronze Age.
While in Goreme Open Air Museum , the conical formations resulting from the volcanic eruptions that took place millions of years ago, just follow the path up to the top of one of the ridges where a spectacular view of the fairy chimneys awaits you. The natural cone formations contain caves and labyrinths. As early as the third century, those chimneys became a hiding place for early Christians who fled persecution from the Romans, and then later from raiding Muslims. In modern tourism, many caves have been turned into cave houses for tourist stays and the lunar-like setting of Goreme Valley has become popular for hot-air ballooning.
Many say the extremely unique landscape of Cappadocia resembles some scene in a Star Wars movie and yet you may be surprised to discover that no major commercial movies have been filmed there. It would be a perfect setting for movies such as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter series.
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This is a beautiful morning walk of about one or two hours. We did it on foot, but we saw folks on horseback riding the through the trail. You get to walk along a lovely ridge that gives you beautiful views of this valley. It is nice to walk it in mid morning when the light is bright enough to…
Starting at Ihlara is the valley following the river north as far as a village called Selime, passing through another called Belisirma, where many, as did I, choose to stop.
The walk itself is very easy and quite relaxing. Just you, the river and the valley walls on either side. Taking it slow it took about 2.5-3hrs from Ihlara to Belisirma.
definitely worth a vist–with really interesting churches and rock formations. Big downside in August is the bus loads of package tourists with their loud guides.
It is an excellent trecking, the valley is a must do at sunset. The landscape is wonderful. Highly recommended!
Agzikarahan Caravanserai have been built and used since the 10th century. These buildings provided accommodation and other amenities for the merchants and stabling for their animals. Inside each caravanserai there was also a small mosque for their religious services.
During the times of Seljuk Sultans Kilicarslan II and Alaaddin Keykubat I, the construction of these buildings increased. Merchants of all nationalities were put in the caravanserais with food and beverage all free of charge up to three nights. They could get their shoes repaired. New shoes were given to the poor, and treatment was available for the sick. If the merchants were robbed, the loss of the trades would be compensated by the states. It was the first insurance system in the world.
The entire national park is filled with massive rock columns that are phallic shaped and can be up to 3 stories tall. It is something that has to be seen if you are in the region. Also, it contains many other attractions, such as the open air museum or derinkuyu.
With a well-versed and friendly tour guide, our visit here was both informative and fun. With so much history to be told, you are well advised to take a guided tour, unless you want to spend some time away in the quite serenity and natural beauty – great place for photography…!
It's a 150 stair "hike" to top which provides a nice view. Because guide bought admission ticket, I don't know how much admission was. If more than equivalent of $3-$5, probably not worth it.
that underground city was just stunning. i was amazed by how people back then were able to build a complete city underground at a time when there was no hi tech or building tools & equipments. it goes 8 floors deep underground, & divided into rooms, kitchens, and other areas including a school. it has these maze tunnels and steps…
but take more time and trek some of the many surround trails — uncrowded and even more impressive than the museum.
Trails are well maintained and many trailheads have markers with satellite maps.
Start on the road going from central Goreme to the open air museum, and detour south a mile or two on the Zemi Valley trail. Then continue…