All the world tourists assiduously studied all the coasts of Turkey but the interior of the country keeps the most unusual and sometimes mysterious lands, little-known not only for tourists but also for Turks. Millions of years ago the nature with help of volcanoes snowy winters and hot scorching sun created Cappadocia.
First day. The first day we immediately acquainted with the " hallmark " of this amazing terrain - " lunar landscape ." They are drawn especially colorful in the Derwent Valley whose poetically called "Valley of the Imagination ."
Everyone who has visited here seen in contour rocks endless amount of fantastic images then form of animals then form of people. Singularity of relief, it similarity with the lunar surface , attracted George Lukos attention for filming the famous " Star Wars". Ufologists from all over the world come here in the " UFO Museum " for their research. Also we will see Zelva valley from many valleys of Cappadocia . The ancient cliff houses, streets, outbuildings appeared here in the beginning of our era, excite the imagination. Later most of them were converted into Christian churches and monasteries, and part of the houses remained populated until the mid-20th century. View of this ancient rock city as if takes us to many centuries ago and makes to feel atmosphere of those years.
Then we go in darkness into the valley Pashabag by one of the surviving so far ancient tunnel , so-called "Valley of the Monks." In this picturesque area are the remains of "natural constructions" - giant pillars with a "cap" in the shape of mushrooms, was penetrated the cells and moves made by monks. Locals call them "Fairy chimneys". Some of them used nowadays. We have lunch in one of the restaurants when reaching the ancient city of Avanos ( Venessa ) which is famous for pottery and carpet weaving. Meeting with local cuisine and a great variety of gourmet Turkish dishes certainly will conquer all palates . Avanos was known since the time of the Hittites and was then ruled the Assyrians the Phrygians the Persians the Romans the Seljuks and finally the Ottomans. After lunch we will visit Goreme who was in ancient times one of the most important centers of Christianity. Now it is a national park, but earlier in this area was more than 400 churches . St. Paul had preaching here during the persecution of Christians . Has survived six rock churches refectory and a convent to our days. You can see the unique painting extant on the walls of the churches. Part of the image faces of the saints became darker from time and light, part ones have been lost with the advent of Islam. Some images have been absorbed from the soot fires but in the distant halls where no light penetrates and the man did not touch the walls and ceilings remained well-preserved paintings. Juicy of paint colors show scenes from Scripture. At the end of the day we will head to the village of Uchisar with a fortress and a huge cylindrical tower . The fortress made of rock and permeated by the entire passages and exits. There is a wonderful view of the town and the ancient natural wonders from made viewing platforms. The fortress was connected with the city of 100 meter tunnel in case of siege .
Second day. The day begins with a visit to the village of Mustafapasa . Previously it was a great and prosperous city . Former name of the city is Sinasos , " town of fishermen ." Since the bulk of the population always were Greeks it left its mark on the architectural development of the city. Some mansions , churches , fountains , baths built in the Greek style survived until our days . This is a real work of art ( the Church of Constantine and Helen, Marashalu Bridge , Church of Saint Basil, Puppet Museum Cappadocia ) . But there is a buildings of the Ottoman culture ( Kibir mosque , madrasah Mahmed Shakir Pasha ) . After the deportation of the Greeks the city went into decline , becoming practically to the village. And still a stroll through its winding streets will leave for you a lasting impression . Then we move to one of the valleys surrounding Mustafapasa , Soganli valley, past picturesque volcanic hills.
On the approaches to it you can see abandoned churches early Christian period whose the walls are painted with different bright colors . You can see the images of Christ and the Saints various religious symbols. Locals use the abandoned churches for breeding pigeons. After Lunch and relaxing we continue Soganli tour. We'll see " Hidden Church" whom was built inside a giant "mushroom" , the Church of the Virgin Mary , " Snake Church" which decoration can be seen only with a flashlight , Predator church , the church of the Black Heads. Each of them is characterized by unique inner content.
The third day. The final day will start with a visit to the underground Kaymakli city, the largest of more than 200 ones . Who and when (some even from the 5th century BC ) began to build underground city is unknown, but they certainly are masterpiece works of human hands. In the earth's soft surface have been made numerous rooms, corridors, tunnels, church, cemetery, bakeries , etc. The city had several levels ( floors). Now open to the public 4 floors. The city had well-developed infrastructure, sanitation , lighting and heating which were carried out with the help of icon lamps. Entrances had closed by stone wheels like a millstone . The city could accommodate up to 15,000 people , without leaving the surface to a few months. Kaymakli city 10 km tunnel connected with another large underground Derinkuyu city. After strolling around the underground city we will go to Guzelyurt , the city which can be called "mini Cappadocia ." It has everything: rock houses, churches and Greek mansions and underground city. In the 385 year the Jami church was built here , known as Gregory the Theologian Church who lived here for some time.
After lunch and a short break we will journey in the Ihlara valley .
Fast mountain river Melendiz cut through canyon in the volcanic tuff with steep walls up to 150 meters in ancient times. In the 4th century early Christians built within the walls of the canyon cave settlements with temples and monasteries. Now is open to the public about 20 man-made caves . In some you can see ancient paintings and murals . At the bottom of the canyon Melendiz still flows is not as fast and there was trodden footpath - Perfect for our walk
This concludes our journey ends . But Cappadocia is so diverse and special that you will want come back here , to expand knowledge and get in new experience about this amazing part of Turkey.
