Last Day in Turkey, Day 132, Underground Cities

We spent our last day in Turkey driving away from Kapadokya then back for a terrific farewell dinner overlooking the city lights of the Fairy Chimneys.

Mt. Hassan

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Because of the unusual geologic layering of volcanic ash and pumice, plus years of erosion, the valleys and hills in the area lent themselves to habitation by those willing to carve a niche for themselves in the earth.  Beginning in 2000 BC, the Hittites, were the first known settlers in this area.  They started digging into the cliffs and underground.  

In later years, persecuted Christians took the digging to deeper depths creating underground cities (up to eight floors down and 4 square kilometers in area))  inside caves and straight down in the valleys to build monasteries, churches, wineries, animal shelters, caravansaries, and homes.  

Bye, Bye Russ - As He Heads Down Under

Passages to different levels are narrow and steep where it is more like rock climbing or descent than stair passages.  Airshafts and wells built by the dwellers bring fresh air and water to the cities. Some cities that are combined with caves have some natural light on the first levels, but after that it is just dark and claustrophobic.  Today of course, these areas are lit with electricity for tourists, but it must have been quite dark and grim lit by torch and little lamps.

Monastery Valley Underground City

Dwellers Rolled Huge Mill Wheels Across Tunnels to Thwart Enemies

We visited two underground cities and a canyon with cliffside dwellings. 

All is Well with the Worrall Travel R's - Our last night in Turkey

Hot Air Balloons over Fairy Chimneys, Days 129-131, Kapadokya, Turkey

Sunrise in Kapadokya, Turkey - October 21, 2014 - Day 131

For our last two days here in Cappadocia, Kapadokya (Goreme National Park) near Kayseri, it has been cloudy and rainy, and the balloons have been grounded for four days.  Today, day 131, October 21, the sky and wind conditions were perfect.  The dawn sky was filled with a backlog of waiting tourists and balloons.  What a fabulous experience.  We can check this one of the bucket list, but I think we will have to do this again.  We were talking to a couple who did a balloon safari in Africa and could view the animals from a balloon.  That sounds fun too....sometime in the future.

For now we are staying in a cave.  Yes, it is a cave hotel.

On day 129 we visited the UNESCO World Heritage Open Air Museum to view the churches and convent built in the cliffs and caves. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappadocia.  The ancient volcanic eruption, compressed pumice, limestone layers, upheaval, and erosion creates these pointy little mounds called Fairy Chimneys.

 Christians fleeing from persecution in the 2nd century migrated here and carved out lives for themselves....literally.  There are underground cities and over 2,000 churches in the area carved into the Fairy Chimneys and cliff sides.

Table and benches carved out of stone inside the cave

Cappadocia is unique among places on Earth.  

On day 130 we hiked in valleys, up mountains, and wandered through Red Valley

and Rose Valley.

The geography and topography are beautiful.  In someways, the area reminds us of Dunhuang in China at the Mogao Caves that we visited earlier this summer...http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mogao_Caves The frescos here are not as well preserved, but the idea of creating religious chapels and grottos carved out the earth is the same.  It's very interesting.

And of course this morning was outstanding.  I have to say it was much more fun to fly over than to hike over. We were up at 4:30, picked up by 5:30, lift off about 6:30.  It was fun watching the balloons get fired up and lifting out of the darkness like lanterns.

ZERO DARK HUNDRED

Our pilot Durmus was quite skilled as he wove in, out, up, and over at close range through the Fairy Chimneys, spires, and curtains of the valley.

There were times when it looked as if we were going to collide with the cliff, but no, he skillfully avoided even a glancing blow, although we could reach our hands out to pick the leaves off the tops of trees.

And then the sun came up! 

We celebrated our exciting ride, the dawn, and a safe landing with a little bubbly!

By 9:00 we were back at our hotel and exhausted.  Tomorrow or this afternoon, we plan to explore the underground city, the 9th wonder of the ancient world.  Thursday we leave for Athens.  It won't be long now, and we will be coming home.

All is Well With the Worrall Travel R's in Kapadokyia, Turkey from 700 meters UP.