Travelin' Fullers Blog: Bill and Trey in Cappadocia

Well, I'm doing the written portion of this blog based on what Bill and Trey have told me. Cappadocia , as you can see in the photos, is a FASCINATING and beautiful place filled with intriguing caves and rock formations. The region was sculpted millions of years ago. There were three volcanoes in the area which erupted over time. This resulted in the area being developed in layers. There would be a volcanic layer of dark basalt from the lava, and then a layer of volcanic ash would mix with rain and form a layer of light colored sediment. The sediment layers were more easily eroded in the multiple "layers" resulting in the fabulous creation of "fairy Chimneys" and amazing rock sculptures with a thin layer of sediment rock holding up a large basalt rock! The sediment layers were easy to excavate and there were also naturally occurring lava tubes that formed the basis for the underground cities and the homes and churches built into the rocks. It was an area that was mostly hidden from view and where early Christians built their homes to be safe from invaders that swept across the area. Early Christians lived here from the 6th to the 9th century. There are still 356 churches carved into the sides of the mountains. Bill and Trey visited Kaymakli Underground City where 5 levels extend below ground and include living quarters, kitchens, wine presses, storage rooms, stables and ventilation shafts. They even had large boulders that they could roll in front of an opening. They could roll the stone out of the way from the inside, but someone from the outside couldn't do it. They also had holes in the ceilings so if invaders came in, they could rain arrows down on intruders. They used ladders to go from one level to another and they could simply pull the ladder up as an additional measure of defense. I am going to post lots of amazing photos of this region...truly one of the wonders of the world!

Inside this hotel room .

The Hotel.

This is their amazing and wonderful guide explaining to Trey about this underground oven. They LOVED their guide. He does guiding all over the region, but this area is his home. The guide has EXCELLENT English skills and is Ergun Akan, a licensed Peofessional Tourist guide. Trey and Bill would highly recommend this gentleman if you are ever in the area. Ergunakkan@yahoo.com.