A Visual Feast

Can natural beauty alone attract and inspire film directors to make their movies in a particular place? Cappadocia, a region in Turkey that has been a hub of culture, economy, and life since the sixth century BC, seems to do just that.

Cappadocia, an ancient Persian word that means “the land of beautiful horses,” continues to attract historians, adventurers, and countless tourists today. This phenomenon leads to another question: how can so many incredible features and wonders exist in just one place?

Pottery

If you’re interested in making pottery as a hobby in Turkey, you can’t use any random soil. Cappadocia’s clay contains silicium, also known as silicon. This element helps create a more durable material for ceramics. Pottery-making studios are open year-round for tourists.

Marble Quarries

The minerals in Cappadocia are not limited to silicon. It is also possible to find marble and other stones that are red and brown. These components may be used in the construction of houses.

Engineering

In order not to disrupt the area’s harmonious appearance, engineers must follow construction guidelines. Some designs that would clash with the traditional look of Cappadocia might be banned. For example, rules restrict the height of houses to one or two stories. Shop signs are a gold color to maintain a cohesive look.

Visiting Churches

Interestingly, Cappadocia is home to two churches, located within 80 kilometers of each other, that share the name “Snake Church.” The first is situated in the Göreme Open Air Museum and is one of the most renowned in the area. Paintings of significant figures from early Christianity adorn its walls, including a depiction of St. George and St. Theodore battling a long, snake-like dragon—giving the church its name.

The second Snake Church is located about an hour’s drive away in the Ihlara Valley. Inside, one of the walls features a painting of St. Michael weighing a soul with scales, surrounded by images of sinful people tormented by snakes. The west part of this cave contains a burial chamber.

Snake Church in Göreme. Photo credit: unknown author via Wikimedia Commons

Underground Cities

Carved into the soft volcanic rock of the Cappadocia region centuries ago, the eight-story Derinkuyu Underground City could meet all the essential needs of 20,000 people. Unlike Kaymakli Underground City, another example in the region, Derinkuyu includes unique features like a missionary school, a confessional, and a baptismal pool. It even contained a well that could be sealed off for protection.

Fairy Chimneys

Fairy chimneys are famous symbols of Cappadocia and make the area feel mystical because of their unusual shapes. These tall, thin rock formations were created by the erosion of volcanic rock over thousands of years. Even though we know they were formed by natural events, people who visit still sense something magical about them. There are many stories and legends about the fairy chimneys. But in the end, science explains the real reason they exist.

Balloons and Camels

One of the best ways to explore Cappadocia’s extraordinary landscape is by taking a hot air balloon ride. The balloons let you float up and down over valleys, fairy chimneys, gardens, and rock houses, especially during sunrise when the view is most spectacular. The mix of colorful valleys and balloons in the sky is perfect for taking photos and creating lasting memories. Flying in a balloon is a must-do when you visit Cappadocia. You can also join an exciting camel safari tour, where you’ll get a unique view of the hot air balloons and the Red and Güllüdere Valleys. It’s a great opportunity to take lots of photos!

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