Cappadocia (Turkish Kapadokya) is an area in Central Anatolia in Turkey, best known for its unique moon-like landscape, underground cities, cave churches and houses carved in the rocks.
The Cappadocian Region located in the center of the Anatolian Region of Turkey, with its valley, canyon, hills and unusual rock formation created as a result of the eroding rains and winds of thousands of years of the level, lava-covered plain located between the volcanic mountains Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan as well as its troglodyte dwellings carved out of the rock and cities dug out into underground, presents an otherworldly appearance. The eruptions of these mountains which were active volcanoes in geological times lasted until 2 million years ago. A soft tuff layer was formed, 150 m in thickness, by the issuing lavas in the valley surrounded by mountains. The rivers, flood water running down the hillsides of valleys and strong winds eroded the geological formations consisting of tuff on the plateau formed with tuff layers, thus creating bizarre shapes called fairy Chimneys. These take on the names of mushroom shaped, pinnacled, capped and conic shaped formations.
CITIES
• Nevşehir — The main province of Cappadocia.
• Ürgüp — The biggest town and heart of Cappadocia.
• Göreme — Cave Houses built into the Fairy Chimneys.
• Avanos — Pottery town which is divided into two by the longest river of Turkey (Kızılırmak).
• Mustafapaşa — Old Greek village.
• Ihlara — Biggest Canyon in Cappadocia. 1.2 million visitors every year
• Cross Golf, Cappadocia is a national park.Cross Golf uses the natural features of the landscape to challenge even the most experienced golfer. The fairy chimneys, fascinating rock formations and flora and fauna in the unique environment of Cappadocia remain unaffected by Cross Golf.
• Ballooning, Cappadocia is known around the world as one of the best places to fly with hot air balloons.It floats up over rippled ravines for breathtaking views over the region.
Testi Kebap (jug kebap)- Meat and vegetables cooked in a clay pot (or jug) sealed with bread dough. The pot is broken when serving.
Dried apricots and grapes
A trip to Cappadocia is not complete without visiting the Turasan Wine Factory. The grapes which are collected from local farmers are used for producing the world wide famous Cappadocia wines.