Capadocia

Cappadocia is part of the modern Turkish republic and a major tourism hub. Below are a few facts about Cappadocia that may interest you.

• Cappadocia's attraction to tourists is mainly because of the lunar-like mushroom shaped fairies. They were formed by erosion of volcanic sediments that later solidified into a soft rock known as tuff. In due time, the winds will then erode the rocks' surface leaving the smooth core of the rocks.
• The soft tuff rocks were easily carved and presented a chance for the early inhabitants of Cappadocia to carve underground and over-ground shelters.
• Cappadocia cuts across 3 central Anatolia provinces including; Nevşehir, Keyseri, and Niğde. It covers an area of about 5,000 square kilometers.
• The name 'Cappadocia' is derived from the Persian word 'Katpaktukya' which is translated as 'the land of beautiful horses'.
• Not all parts of Cappadocia get tourists. If you are lucky enough to visit a town such as Gulşehir, you will receive more than your fair share of attention in a bid to market it as tourist friendly too.
• Cappadocia was formed about three to four million years when a series of volcanic eruptions shook the Central Anatolia plateau. The results were the Cappadocia fairies.
• During the Arab invasion, the retreating Christians used to hide in the underground cities in Gerome. The name Gerome is translated to mea 'you cannot see in here'.
• Cappadocia of the Ancient was largely a monastery. The lifestyle was established by Basil of Caesarea who encouraged Christian monks to gather in the monasteries and pray together.
• In Byzantine Cappadocia, Tokali Kilise church was the main prayer site. It boasts some of the best preserved paintings from the Middle Ages.
• The Mount Aktepe near Göreme and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.