cave dwelling in Cappadocia

The first settlements were from the Roman times. Villagers carved cave-homes from the soft volcanic deposits.

Cappadocia became a religious refuge during the early days of Christianity. By the 4th century Christians were fleeing

persecution from Rome and later from Muslims. Monastic communities excavated many cave chapels and churches.

cave-homes in volcanic rock

To escape persecution, first from the Romans and then the Muslims, they built underground cities which housed up to

10,000 people. The largest was 7 levels deep with enough food storage for 2 months.

Underground cities

These underground cities were surprisingly complex. Access to water wells, kitchens, veritical air ducts for ventilation,

a section for animals. Goreme Open-Air Museum, World Heritage Site, has the best collection from the 11th century.

underground cities

complex design of undergound