Cave dwellings in Cappadocia

Cappadocia lies in the heart of Anatolian Plateau in Turkey. Whereas the main part of the high plateau is covered by steppe, some little valleys offer an extremely varied landscape : rose cliffs, rocky peaks and fairy chimneys. The authors of these spectacular landforms are the volcanoes with the help of water, frost and wind. These natural elements have carved a particular volcanic stone called tuff. This tuff with different colors, both resistant and soft, is everywhere in Cappadocia. During the 4th century hermits have dug their cells, later monks have established their monasteries and the Byzantines have cut wonderful rock churches. In every place, inhabitants have dug houses, dovecotes or sheepfolds. Until the middle of the 20th century the population still lived in cave-dwellings. In Cappadocia, natural elements and human activities have built a stunning rock scenery.

Uçhisar rock Castle

Uçhisar rock Castle

Uçhisar rock Castle

Uçhisar village

Fairy chimney

Inhabited pinnacle

Fairy chimneys

Rose and white tuff

Erosion

Thunderstorm on Göreme

Thunderstorm on Göreme

Minaret and pinnacles

Collapse

Karanlik Kilise

Cupola

Christ

Pigeon Valley

Decorated Dovecote

Decorated Dovecote

Rock sleeping room

Erciyes Dagi

Erciyes Dagi

Saint Gregory of Nazianzus

Hasan Dagi