Cappadocia

A natural boundary separating the far east from the rest of Asia Minor, Cappadocia is characterized by rare volcanic geomorphology creating a spectacular, eerie landscape that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The locals call it "fairy chimneys", from the conical shapes of the rock formations. Architecturally, the region presents enormous interest: huge underground cities that housed up to 20 thousand people were built about 40 centuries ago. Malakopi (Derinkuyu) was one of the largest, spanning 4 kilometers long and 60 meters deep.

In the Byzantine era it played a special role in the history of Orthodoxy and asceticism, mainly between the 4th and 13th centuries. Cappadocians were the original Three Hierarchs, who belong to the same "theological school", namely Saint Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus and Gregory of Nyssa. Apart from its theological importance, Cappadocia also help a critical tactical position for the protection of the Empire from Persian, Arab and then Seljuk invaders. The legendary Akrites guarded the "cloisters", defensive fortifications of the Byzantines in Tauros and Antitauros. The Taurus Mountains, which cut diagonally across Asia Minor from the Pontus to Cilicia, became what the Pyrenees were in Spain: a natural border between the Christian and Islamic worlds, a site of epic battles and legends.

Important cities of Cappadocia were Caesarea, Neapolis of Caesarea, Anako, Prokopi, Sinasos, Sebasteia, Nigdi, Flogita, Yosgati and Malakopi.

The extraordinary landscape and unique architecture of the region attracted European travelers in the 18th and 19th centuries. After their travels in the interior of Anatolia they published their travelogues, embellished with rich illustrations from their journeys. These publications became very popular in Europe and contributed to the strengthening of Philhellenism, as they offered physical proof the historical continuity of Hellenic culture in the region. Today Cappadocian territory belongs to five Turkish provinces: Caesarea, Nigdis, Kirsehir, Aksaray, Nevsehir.