About Cappadocia

Not only Turkey’s but also the world's one of the most popular tourism centers in Cappadocia have their fame not by coincidence. There are many things to know about Cappadocia, which has been used as a settlement since the Chalcolithic period and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, with its magical atmosphere. Let's discover what you need to know about Cappadocia at first sight.

Cappadocia History

Cappadocia lands have hosted many different civilizations until today. The oldest civilization known to have lived in these lands was recorded as Assyrians. After the Assyrians, the region came under the rule of the Hittites and the foundations of a great empire were laid in the region. After the Hittite domination, which continued until the 12th century BC, a period that is described as darkness begins in the region. The conflicts between the kingdoms, the struggle for dominance in the trade routes and the resistance shown against Alexander the Great in 332 BC are sufficient to understand the richness of Cappadocia history. Later, with the arrival of Christians in the region, a new era begins. The increase in the presence of Christians escaping from the oppressions between the 7th and 13th centuries made Cappadocia one of the most important Christian centers. The excavations made in these lands, which have become the center of attraction of civilizations with the effect of its geographical location and climate features, reveal that the settlement dates back to the Chalcolithic period.

Cappadocia Formation

The natural beauty of Cappadocia is proverbial… The Fairy Chimneys in the region fascinate millions of tourists every year with their unique appearance. The formation of these geological structures dates back millions of years from today. After volcanic eruptions, the lava coming out of these volcanoes spread to the plateau and formed a soft tuff layer on the plateau. Some of the tuffs are covered with a layer of lava containing hard basalt. Over time, basalt cracked and fragmented. With the effect of rains, rivers, lakes and wind, the tuff layer started to erode. Of course, the variety of these factors is not limited to these. The change of air temperatures is also one of the factors contributing to the formation of Fairy Chimney.

Cappadocia is on the UNESCO World Heritage List

Cappadocia has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985 with its natural and cultural features. Göreme National Park, Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı Underground Cities, Karlık Church, Yeşilöz Theodoro Church, Soğanlı Archeological Site and Karain Pigeons in the region are among the most tourist attractions with their natural and cultural beauties.

Cappadocia is Among the Most Important Centers for Christianity

Cappadocia is positioned as a very important center for faith tourism as well as its historical texture and natural beauties. The first Christians to escape from the pressure of the Roman Empire settled in the region and built the Selime Cathedral to perform their worship in secret. This structure, which allows them to both worship and remain safe against their enemies, is among the most visited historical artifacts in Cappadocia. The importance of the region for the first Christians is not limited to this, while the Edict of Milan, signed in 313, allows them to worship freely, the Orthodox perform their first loud ritual in Cappadocia. This influence in the history of Christianity causes Cappadocia to host faith tourism every year.

There are very legitimate reasons for Cappadocia to be such a popular center today. The history of Cappadocia, the formation of Cappadocia, the importance of the region for Christians and its unique natural beauties are of utmost importance. As a matter of fact, the enactment of the regulation on the Cappadocia Area Presidency in 2019 indicates that the efforts made for the protection of the region have increased. Cappadocia, one of the most unique heritages in the world, continues to shine in Central Anatolia like a pearl that will preserve its existence for generations.