Cappadocia History and Detailed Information
Cappadocia History and Detailed Information, When it comes to Cappadocia, it is necessary to mention a very large area in the Central Anatolia Region. So much so that its total size is about 250 square kilometers. In this context, the region called Cappadocia; It starts from Aksaray and Salt Lake in the west. It includes Kızılırmak in the north, Niğde and Hasan Mountain in the south, and İncesu and Yeşilhisar regions from Erciyes Mountain in the east. In the continuation of our article, there is detailed information about the history of Cappadocia.
Its historical and natural structure, beauty and features are an invaluable asset. In this context, Cappadocia, which is called Cappadocia, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 with Göreme National Park, based on these features. Kaymaklı Underground City, Derinkuyu Underground City, Karain Church, Karlık, Yeşilöz and Soğanlı are located in the national park.
Brief History of Cappadocia
Cappadocia History and Detailed Information, The history of Cappadocia, which dates back 60 million years, is not something to be mentioned briefly. However, Hasan Mountain, Erciyes Mountain and Güllü Mountain played a key role in the formation of the region. Ash and lava sprayed by volcanic mountains spread in the region and created heights of up to 150 meters. These formations have formed valleys by dissolving due to natural rains, disasters, flood waters and winds given by years. While easily soluble substances such as the ashes of volcanoes disappeared in the presence of water, fairy chimneys emerged in the valleys. The fairy chimneys and the rocks in the region are composed of tuffs. These tuffs are formed by volcanic lavas.
With the discovery that these tuffs formed by the past civilizations were easily processed and carved, they created living spaces for themselves in this region. People who were oppressed at the beginning of Christianity as the religion of the period fled to these regions and tried to fulfill their religious beliefs here. At the same time, the priests were in seclusion in this region. This valley is called the Valley of the Priests, especially because of the priests who created their living spaces here by carving the fairy chimneys in the Paşabağlar Valley. There are hundreds of churches, monasteries and chapels in the region due to the fact that it played an active role in the beginning of Christianity. For this reason, the importance of Cappadocia in terms of Christian history is great. So much so that almost all of these structures are carved cave structures.
How Was Cappadocia Formed?
While Nevşehir has hosted dozens of civilizations in the history of Cappadocia, the societies living in the region benefited from the accumulations of another society. Over time, the knowledge here has grown exponentially, and the buildings in the area have become more original. The spreading of the volcanic lavas of Hasan Mountain, Güllü Mountain and Erciyes Mountain in the region and the subsequent natural process played an active role in the formation of valleys and the emergence of fairy chimneys. In fact, the Melendiz Stream in the Ihlara Valley has become a source of water that contributes to this natural phenomenon and gives life to the region.
From past to present, water is the most important factor in the formation of residential areas in all societies. Societies have settled in places where there are water resources and have continued their lives there. Nevşehir sees itself in the first place among the residential areas of the Cappadocia region. The reason for this is that especially in Ürgüp, Göreme and Avanos regions, the densest valleys, fairy chimneys and carved structures are seen. Ortahisar, Uçhisar, Ürgüp, Göreme and Cemil Villages, which create a landscape suitable for nature with the carving and processing of the tuffs, constitute the most artistically beautiful settlements in the world.
Horizontal and Vertically Carved Rock Carving Architecture
The processing and easy carving of the tuffs and rocks in the region has created many structures. As a matter of fact, the interiors of fairy chimneys , valley slopes, underground have been carved horizontally and vertically for many years. Masonry structures were built on these structures. The tuffs obtained from the quarries obtained by carving the rocks have the feature of hardening in the atmosphere. Thanks to this feature, the structures made with the stones obtained accompany the rock-carved landscapes. Thus, there are three different structures in the region. These are rock carving, masonry structures and architectural forms where rock and masonry structures are together. So much so that with the carving of fairy chimneys, multi-storey structures emerged.
The most important places of Cappadocia carved structures consist of religious architecture examples, churches, monasteries and chapels. These structures that emerged in the early years of Christianity; rock masses were formed in connection with each other. There are even mixed structures here. You can come across the carved rock structures in front of them, the masonry structures built on them, and their examples in every part of the region. It is seen that masonry structures were built on the underground carved structures in Derinkuyu and Cemil Villages.
Cappadocia with Aesthetic Natural Landscape
Cappadocia, which has a natural landscape, thus has unique beauties and aesthetics. However, this region, where natural and cultural values are collected, is also in danger. In this context, natural disasters contribute to human-induced deterioration as well as internal factors that damage the region. Because the carved structures wear out over time and tend to disappear according to their structural features due to their location.
A past 60 million years is an important time period for the importance of the region. Naturally, the surrounding volcanic volcanoes laid the foundations of this region. Volcanic lavas spread to the region over time and became what it is today as a result of tuffs eroded by natural rain and floods. Millions of people have embroidered and embroidered the region, and bestowed upon us the best examples of his art.
Kingdom of Cappadocia
The Kingdom of Cappadocia was founded in the center of the strategically important Asia Minor region during the Hellenistic period and was invaded due to its importance. For this reason, the kingdom tried to develop different policies to protect its current population. One of them is their political marriages with neighboring kingdoms. In a way, they tried to develop their political relations over marriages. As a matter of fact, alliances were formed through marriages at that time. In this way, cooperation was made in terms of political, economic and most important military aspects.
The state known as the Kingdom of Cappadocia at that time, the Romans’ interest in the kingdoms in this region, the influence of the Kingdom of Pontos, the great kingdom of the time, internal politics and administrative conflicts paved the way for marriages with neighboring kingdoms. As a matter of fact, women have been an attractive and popular entity since ancient times. In this way, it is seen that it is used as a political maneuvering tool in the establishment of sincere relations.
Cappadocia in the Assyrian Period
The region has given a new impetus to its history with the Silk Road that emerged after a dark period and has started to gain importance in the international arena. As a matter of fact, the oldest civilization here is the Assyrians. During this period, the market places established in Hattusha Karum and Kayseri Küllütepe coincide with the Assyrians. In fact, it was seen that there were legal regulations in trade and marriages with cuneiform writings on the tablets called Cappadocia in the period. Thus, the Assyrians laid the most important foundations of art for the Hittites, who would carry the traces of the next civilization.
Cappadocia in the Hittite Period
The carving of underground cities for defensive purposes and the laying of secret passages with each other date back to the Hittites period. As a matter of fact, the traces of the civilization they founded are still visible. In the period, narrow corridors were opened and these corridors were closed with huge stones. In addition, the ventilation in underground cities still shows itself effectively and its mystery cannot be solved. They ruled the region for a long time after the Assyrians. Hattusa was their capital, however, Alişar and Alacahöyük were the cities that gave direction to civilization. The Hittites took advantage of the opportunities of the region and carved monuments especially on the riverbanks and rocks. At the same time, they engraved the borders of the Hittite Civilization, their stories and the roads they passed.
Considered globally, it is possible to talk about a region that is constantly on the list of things to see before death. Regionally, the economy has been based on tourism. As a matter of fact, visitors come here from all over the world. Cultural visits and activities here attract people’s attention rather than a holiday. Because the natural and historical texture found here is not as beautiful as it can be found anywhere else in the world.
Cappadocia, Land of Beautiful Horses
It is thought that the name of the fairy chimneys is derived from these structures. However, this is not the case. Cappadocia is actually a Persian word, its original name is actually Katpatuka. It has come today as Cappadocia. Katpatuka means land of beautiful horses.
Although Katpatuka, from which the name Cappadocia is translated, is considered to be the land of beautiful horses in Persian, some historians claim that it means Low Country, which is Hittite. However, the land of beautiful horses is accepted by many historians. For this reason, it enters the world-wide tourism arena with this name.
In the geography of the Persian kingdom established in Cappadocia, wild horses were very beautiful and wild. For this reason, it is stated that the region is called Katpatuka. It continues to have the same value in terms of tourism today. Because horse tours are organized for tourists in the region . Tour programs are made on a daily, hourly and weekly basis according to the demands of the people. Thus, people here can participate in horse tours with their meekness and beauty, even if they have never ridden a horse.
In Which Provinces of Cappadocia
Covering an area of 250 kilometers in the Central Anatolia Region, Cappadocia is not the name of an administrative unit. Since ancient times, the region has been known as Kappadokia, Cappodakia and Cappadocia. Since a very wide area is mentioned, it is naturally wondered what it covers. Cappadocia, which is formed today, can be seen as its capital Nevşehir. In addition, it is possible to talk about the area spread over the provinces of Kırşehir, Aksaray, Niğde and Kayseri. For this reason, it is not possible to answer the question of where exactly the fairy chimneys are. However, it would be correct to state that they generally gathered in Ürgüp, Göreme and Avanos.
Cappadocia Historical Places
People who want to visit and see the region, besides the natural beauty, the historical places of Cappadocia , which are culturally importanttrying to stay on top of it. In this sense, the region is actually history itself. Every step you take carries the traces of a different civilization, a different culture. As a matter of fact, the civilizations found here carry the traces of the previous ones and they have mostly tried to advance these traces. In this way, it carries the traces of all civilizations and kingdoms that reign in the region today. Cappadocia is a very rich region in terms of historical artifacts. Here you can see hundreds of historical churches, dovecotes and fairy chimneys. In fact, when you visit the region, you will see that windows and balconies were built for these fairy chimneys, which are still used. In addition, you will have the opportunity to stay in cave hotels and fairy chimneys. Because the region is another important issue in terms of historical hotels in Cappadocia.
Although there are hundreds of churches, certain historical places find their place in the front row. Here, the most historically important places are gathered in Göreme National Park and therefore in Göreme Open Air Museum. The park, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is important for the history of Cappadocia. The main historical monuments of Cappadocia to be seen are;
- Uchisar Castle
- Dark Church
- Hidden Church
- Apple Church
- Self Ruins
- Urgup Kadi Castle
- Urgup Sarihan
- Underground Cities (Mazi, Özkonak, Derinkuyu, Gaziemir)
- Kara Mustafa Pasha Complex
Visited by millions of local and foreign people, the region has opened an important economic door in terms of tourism. Visitors who come here generally ask the question of whether Cappadocia is a historical monument or is it a historical monument because they do not know what it is. The region is history itself. However, it would be wrong to state that it is a regional historical monument. It has become a World Heritage Site in terms of historical places in Cappadocia.
Vineyards
The vineyards in the Cappadocia region have a history of millions of years. The efforts of civilizations living in the production of grapes can be seen here. As a matter of fact, pigeon manures were used in the cultivation of good grapes. For this reason, there are dovecotes in the region. The people of the region saw the quality of pigeon manure and raised pigeons to bring this quality to the fore. People using pigeon droppings as fertilizer also used eggs in the construction of structures to be more robust.
The grapes grown in the region and the products produced accordingly have an important quality all over the world. It is possible to talk about 16 different grapes grown especially in Ürgüp. Emir grapes lead them. It is known that the special wines of the Roman and Hittite kings were made from this grape. These grapes are used in the production of white wines with strong acidity and easy drinking. Therefore Cappadocia History and Detailed Information, there are many local producers in the region. Because you can find people who produce for themselves at home. Due to the region’s fame with its vineyards and wines, different festivals are held. One of them is the Ürgüp Vineyard Festival.
Cappadocia Vineyards still maintain their importance. In this way, the wines produced in the region are important. Cappadocia wine history goes back thousands of years. The region is the richest grape-growing place with its vineyards. Because BC. There are bunches of grapes on the İvriz rock reliefs, which are believed to have been made in the 7th century. Pots containing wine were found in the king tombs located next to it.
Underground cities
It is stated that there are nearly 200 cities in Cappadocia, which has the most underground cities in the world. Today, however, 36 of them have been recognized. Cities with interconnected corridors underground resemble a tree root. Although the researches carried out these cities to certain civilizations, their secrets are still unsolved.
There are certain underground cities that can be visited in the region. Among them, Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu underground city have been accepted as World Heritage. These cities, which were carved from top to bottom in tuff regions, are found in almost all villages in the region. Thus, it is likely that there will be more underground cities than anticipated. So much so that there is no information about the materials used in carving these cities. Because the dates of the creation of the cities are determined based on the traces of civilization left here. Various day tours are organized to visit the historical Cappadocia underground cities . You have the opportunity to get to know the historical places of Cappadocia closely through these tours.
Why were Underground Cities Built?
Cappadocia History and Detailed Information, The underground cities, which are thought to have been built mainly for protection purposes, were formed by tunnels made under the houses and connections connecting the villages. It is seen that secret passages were made due to the attacks. The region was in constant danger in the past. For this reason, shelters created underground made it possible for people to hide here for long periods of time. These abilities of the people of the region, who build chimneys, water wells, food storages, places of worship and toilets that will allow them to live underground, are still being questioned. The uninterrupted ventilation, which still preserves its mystery, and the creation of living spaces several meters below make the buildings interesting.
Inclusion of Cappadocia on the World Heritage List
This answer is sought in general for the questions whether Cappadocia is a historical monument or a natural beauty. The region, which provides a unity in terms of both, is a collection of historical artifacts and natural beauties. Cappadocia’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List dates back to 1985. It is the first region from Turkey to be included in the list. Turkey signed the agreement to become a party to the World Heritage List in 1983. After this protocol, the Göreme National Park in the region, Kaymaklı Underground City, Derinkuyu Underground City, St. Theodore Church, Karlık Church, Soğanlı Archaeological Site and Karain Pigeons were included in the World Heritage List as seven sections.
Cappadocia History and Conservation Studies
Cappadocia History and Detailed Information, The region has been the subject of continuous research for many years. However, it is seen that it has been showing its weight since the 1960s. Researches were developed mostly by experts in their fields, and subsequently, applications were started with the conservation area. Tuffs and cliffs are natural formations. However, the structures carved by human hands and most importantly wall paintings are very fragile. For this reason, it must be protected. Because there are rock falls in Ürgüp with Uçhisar Castle and Ortahisar Castle. As a matter of fact, places that are in danger of rockfall have been removed from their living areas and closed to visits. One of these works was done with Ortahisar Castle. After the strengthening works of the castle were completed, it was opened to visits with some parts of it in 2013.
The parts of the rocks and natural formations and the structures facing the valleys are mostly under the danger of wear. These are seen as places with a high probability of erosion due to rains and winds. In addition, there is a danger of the destruction of natural and cultural areas due to the damages caused by humans.
Preservation of Cappadocia History and Wall Paintings
Wall paintings and frescoes found in churches and monasteries have tended to disappear over time. In this sense, it is possible to mention that many of them have been deleted. The frescoes are important for the Cappadocia region. For this reason, protections were made especially for the wall paintings in the Dark Church. The frescoes found here have been renovated and strengthened. There are additional measures for the protection of the frescoes, which were carved on the flat wall, after the renovation, due to the dampness of the carved rocks Cappadocia History and Detailed Information.
Thus, no more than 15 people are admitted to the museum within the scope of the Dark Church protection measures.
As the number of people in the church increases, the breath that is exhaled damages the frescoes. In addition, the use of flashes in photo shoots is prohibited. Because high light damages the pictures. In order to prevent this damage, the lighting in the separate church is made by means of special light. Another precautionary measure for protection is an additional fee for the entrances.
Scientific studies continue to be carried out by constantly updating in terms of Cappadocia, our cultural property, which has a place in the World Heritage List as Turkey. In the light of the data obtained in this framework, the history of Cappadocia and detailed information are shaped. The legends, natural formations, historical places and the mystery of the underground cities cause millions of people to come here. 
