The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in central Anatolia. Three
million years ago, violent eruptions of the volcanoes Mt. Erciyes and Mt. Hasan
covered the surrounding plateau with tuff. The alternation of periods of
calmness between two eruptions and the emergence of smaller volcanoes over
thousands of years generated superposed layers made of more or less compact
dust. The surface waters formed the Melendiz and Kizilirmak rivers. Wind,
frost and the sun eroded the soft layer of soil and formed a small valley.
Continuous erosion turned the soft volcanic rock into hundreds of strangely
shaped pillars, cones and "fairy chimneys", often very tall, and in
every shade, from pink through yellow to russet browns.
Since the most ancient of times, men have hollowed out troglodyte dwellings in
this soft rock, and at the dawn of Christianity, the early Christians made over
600 cave churches, chapels and monasteries. There are also a number of
underground cities, used by Christians as refuge from their enemies. Numerous
hermits and ascetics lived in the forgotten valleys. Under the Byzantines who
were protectors of those leading religious lives, Cappadocia became a bulwark
against attacks by the Arabs.
Goreme is an important shopping area, with carpets and kilims, onyx
souvenirs, and very fine local wines. Trekking and photo-safaris are
activities to join while in the region. The scenery is breathtaking throughout
the year. This natural exception allowed Capadoccia to be member of the UNESCO
world patrimony.The climate of Capadoccia is continental : summers are hot and
sunny but the nights are cool, and the winters cold.
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