Cappadocia

About a three-hour drive southwest of Ankara is an area called Cappadocia. Millions of years ago volcanic eruptions covered the area with lava and volcanic ash. Erosion created structures sort of like Bryce canyon—standing columns that were soft enough to carve dwellings into. Once in contact with the air, the rock hardened, making the permanent homes very stable. People have been living in these homes since 1800 BC, and many are still inhabited. We stayed in a cave hotel that was lovely inside—modern but very cozy.

Nearby are about ten underground cities. We toured one of them of which about a tenth of the original city was lighted. Even 1/10th was a huge area. There were eight levels down, with stables and latrines on the top level (for easy removal), communal kitchens, family quarters, wineries, Christian chapels, and storerooms below. The earliest inhabitants started hiding from enemies there about 1800 BC, and some of the latest to use the area for hiding were Christians hiding from Romans. They estimate that the largest underground city could support 5,000 people plus necessary food and animals. Some of the underground areas are still in use for storing potatoes and other foods.

The Göreme valley has been designated as a world heritage site. Here, Christian religious communities were formed in the first few hundred years of Christianity. Monasteries, individual cells, large storage areas, communal kitchens and dining areas are all interesting, but the many chapels are amazing. Some of them have still-colorful frescos.

Cappadocia is mentioned twice in the New Testament. Cappadocians were present at Pentacost (Acts 2:9), and Peter wrote his general epistle to Cappadocians among others (1 Pet 1:1).

Even though the weather was terrible (rain, hail, sleet and snow!), we were thrilled to be invited and to receive permission to visit this amazing place.