Cappadocia
Fairy chimneys at Paşabağ
The history of Cappadocia began with the eruption of three vulcanoes (Erciyes
Dağı, Hasan Dağı, and Melendiz Dağı) about 10
million years ago. As a result the region was covered with a thick layer of
volcanic ash, which hardened into a soft porous stone, called tuff. Wind,
water and sand erosion wore away portions of the tuff, carving it into unearthy
shapes. The tuff was also easily worked with primitive tools and the
inhabitants learned how simple it was to carve out sturdy dwellings. Later
Christianity arrived and cave churches with elaborate decoration were excavated.
The quantity of churches that were carved from the rocks is unparalleled.
Descendants of the original settlers lived here until 1923 when an exchange of
populations between Greece and Turkey took place.
We found the Ottoman
House in Göreme a very pleasant place to stay (Tel.: +(90) 384 271 26 16,
Fax: +(90) 384 271 23 51, e-mail: ottoma@indigoturizm.com.tr,
Orta Mahalle No 36)
Click on the thumbnails to get a greater picture
