Exploring the Fascinating Underground Cities of Cappadocia

Underground Cities of Cappadocia: Cappadocia is famous for its underground cities, and Derinkuyu Underground City is one of the largest and most impressive. This multi-level city was carved into the soft volcanic rock and once served as a shelter for thousands of people, protecting them from invasions. You can explore the narrow tunnels, living spaces, and ventilation shafts that still stand today.
Other Underground Cities: In addition to Derinkuyu, Cappadocia has several other underground cities, including Kaymaklı and Mazı, each with its unique layout and historical significance. These subterranean cities were used for centuries as a safe haven during periods of conflict.

Architectural Features: The settlement is carved into tufa stone, with passageways leading to large, open chambers. The entrance is marked by two intertwining basalt arches, leading to a 15-meter-long passage made of rubble stone. At the end of the passage is a millstone door, made of hard granite, which was used to seal the entrance.
Main Areas: The main space at the entrance is divided into two parts: storage rooms on the right and living areas on the left. Along the long corridors, you’ll find cell-like rooms and traps in the floors, which were designed for defense.
Unique Features: The underground city includes a millstone door, ventilation shafts, and a complex network of rooms that could accommodate a large number of people during times of threat.

Narrow Tunnels: Unlike other underground cities, Ozkonak has very narrow, long holes (5 cm in diameter) that connect the levels. These tunnels were used for communication and ventilation.
Defensive Features: Just in front of the millstone doors, there are small holes in the ceiling of the tunnels, which were used to pour hot oil on invaders or to spear them, making it one of the more defensive-focused underground cities.
Facilities: Like other underground cities, Ozkonak includes a well, a winery, ventilation shafts, and millstone doors.

Unique Architecture: The underground city is carved into colorful tufa stone, creating a visually distinct space compared to other settlements. The entrance features a 15-meter-long passage made of rubble stone, leading to a millstone door made of granite.
Main Areas: The largest area in the underground settlement consists of two parts: storage rooms on the right and living areas on the left. Long corridors contain cell-like rooms and floor traps, all designed for defense.
Undiscovered Areas: While only one floor is open to the public, the settlement is believed to cover a much larger area.

Two Floors: Only two floors of the underground settlement are open for visitors, but they are well-preserved and feature rooms, storage areas, and churches.
Distinctive Features: The presence of toilets, a rare feature in underground cities, and the abundance of food depots and churches suggest that Tatlarin was not just a refuge but may have served as a place for religious or military purposes.

Location: 18 km south of Nevşehir, near the village of Mazı.
Levels and Tunnels: Multiple levels with interconnected tunnels.
Living Quarters and Storage: Includes areas for living, storage, and chapels.
Defense Features: Narrow passages, ventilation shafts, wells, and circular millstone doors for defense.
Wineries: Contains many wineries used by the inhabitants during sieges.
Partially Excavated: Some areas of the city are still being uncovered.

Historical Refuge: Used as a long-term settlement and refuge during times of danger.
Location: In the town of Guzelyurt, Aksaray Province, 40 km south of Nevşehir.
Unique Design: Features niches and storage areas carved directly into the walls.
Interconnected Levels: Multiple levels with tunnels, ventilation shafts, and wells.
Churches: Several churches carved into the rock for religious purposes.
Latrines and Living Spaces: Includes latrines and spaces for long-term habitation.