Cappadocia Turkey (September 2023)

Cappadocia probably is the highlight of our Turkey tour. It is because what we saw looked otherworldly while its historical significance was real and goes really deep into our soul.

Cappadocia is not a city but a region in the Central Turkey, covering several provinces. Cappadocia is well known for its "fairy chimneys", tall cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley, Goreme and elsewhere in the region. Cappadocia or Kapadokia in Turkish spelling is originated from the land of horses. 

These otherworldly fairy chimneys were created over time by the nature's activities. Volcanic eruptions produced the lava flows that formed tuff rock, which wind and rain sculpted into sinuous valleys with curvy cliff faces and pointy fairy chimneys. 

Cappadocians, the people who lived in the region, found the rocks to be soft, and started chiseling their homes in the soft rock. The underground cities were initiated by the Hittites and rediscovered and used by early Christians to escape from the Roman Empire's persecution. People still live in the rock homes, called cave-dwelling hippies, and some turned them into boutique fairly-chimney hotels.   

In Goreme valley, there used to be up to 365 monasteries. We visited a few of them in Goreme Open Air Museum or Goreme Oren Yeri to see what their life would have looked like. We were explained that underground living was possible because the tuff rock provided water-proof ventilation and mild temperature of 70 degree F. Since it was dry, there were no bats. They built not only rooms but also kitchens, animal stables, and even wine cellars. In fact, people store wine in tufa rock even now. Some passage was quite narrow, but intentionally so to avoid any massive invasion of the Roman soldiers. Clever.

Our trip to Cappadocia would not be complete with the Hot Air Balloon Tour. It was expensive at $250 per person plus tip, but it was once-in-a-lifetime experience. Riding one is an experience, but riding over the fairly chimneys along with hundreds of other hot air balloons is an incredible experience. Totally otherworldly! Moreover, we saw the rising sun on the hot hair balloon and it was unlike any other sunrise we experienced.

Sunrise on the hot air balloon

The pilot landed on this trailer after the ride.

With the hot air balloon captain

Turkey is well known for its carpets, in competition with the Persian carpets. We visited a carpet factory to learn about Turkish carpet weaving process. We were explained about the differences between Persian carpet using two-knots and Turkish carpets using three-knots. Also, we were explained about the differences among carpets made of wool, silk, and cotton.

We also visited the Pigeon Valley. It was named so because in the past people created homes for pigeons so that they could collect the pigeons' waste for useful purposes. We saw what they call "Devil's Eye" that is pretty common to the Mediterranean region where people are superstitious. 

We went to see another museum and we met the original owner of the land where some of the underground cities were discovered. He is still alive. I was able to take a selfie. 

We also visited a pottery workshop, called Venessa Seramik and Pottery. They obtain red clay from the red rocks and white clay from the river to make pottery. The red clay called terracotta was used widely in China as the Terracotta Soldiers is famous for. An artisan showed how the wine pouring jar was made. It takes 3 weeks to 3 months to make one product depending on the size. 

We went to another valley to see more fairy chimneys. They were all awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping sceneries.

Camel Rock

Three Graces Rock

After all, there is no question about Cappadocia being the highlight of the Turkey tour. I am so grateful for the opportunity to visit this place. - Jeffrey