Cappadocia

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11 October 2012

Cappadocia has a unique geological feature. Many millions of years ago there was a huge volcanic eruption. Since then the lava and tuff (consolidated volcanic rock) eroded to form thousands of isolated pinnacles called fairy chimneys. Many were carved out to form churches, dwellings and pigeon lofts. Although it was the first wet and cold day of the trip, we went on an enjoyable tour of the area.

We started at a viewing point overlooking Goreme.

In the 6^th and 7th centuries the Christian population in the area were persecuted by Persian and Arabic armies and they escaped into underground cities which had been constructed in the tuff. Thousands of them lived there for several months until the danger had passed. We visited one today at Kaymakli which entailed much stooping along narrow tunnels connecting its eight levels to a depth of 85m below ground.

After lunch at a country restaurant we spent the afternoon looking at fairy chimneys at various sites.

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