In September of 2012, Reed and I had gone to Cappadocia for Reed's work. On that trip we fell in love with the landscapes and the rich history of the area. Therefore, we decided that the short drive would be a great way to spend the last weekend with Randy and Gloria and here is why;
Cappadocia's landscape has been shaped for centuries by all the volcanoes in the area. At one time the volcanoes were constantly active for centuries. This created layers and layers of different rock; tuff, lava, ash and boulders. As usual the land was subjected to erosion when the volcanoes became inactive. From the weather erosion of the volcanic land Cappadocia was shaped into this amazing landscape of; canyons, valleys, ravines, and distinct rock formations called "Fairy chimneys."
Example of an amazing canyon/ valley
This fairy chimney looks like a camel
A beautiful view of the levels of erosion and layers of different rocks
Another view showing all the different layers of rock
Cappadocia has a very rich history. The origination of the name Cappadocia is uncertain, but one story says that the name came from the Persians "Katpatuka" and it meant "the land of the beautiful horses." This version of Cappadocia origination I like best, because I have seen the magnificent landscape and can image the wild horses that once roamed the area. Then there are these amazing cave churches and underground cities. From research, I learned the Christian community was attempting to find refuge from the Roman persecution by fleeing to different countries. Cappadocia's natural rock formations provided the Christians the ability to hide so they moved into that region. They used the soft rock to carve houses, underground cities, monasteries and churches. These carved houses, cities, monasteries, and churches were no small task in creating such cities.
Cappadocia Cave Churches;
In the region of Goreme a monastery community was settled in the 4th century. They built six cave churches and a "nunnery" in a small area. The different levels of this monastery were connected by tunnels, and "millstone doors" that were used to secure and close off these tunnels in times of danger. The area chosen and the planning to make the area safe shows that Christians were being persecuted and it was dangerous times for them. In viewing the cave churches you are able to see that the area survived the many battles in that region, because they were hidden and sealed efficiently.
There are many stories about why and how the churches were painted. BUT unfortunately the stories are all speculation, because there is no documentation as to the churches and their paintings. All the churches contained fresco style paintings with the scenes from the life of Jesus, usually the apostles, and some other figures; bishops, martyrs and saints. When we viewed these churches and saw the paintings we were amazed at the colors and how old they were. Unfortunately, due to the preservation of these fresco painting we were not able to photograph many of the churches;
The monastery in Goreme
The entrance into one church
Entrance into a different church
Inside one church and the fresco painting (No flash photography allowed)
Having a good time viewing the churches
The underground cities;
The underground cities are believed to have been used as hiding places to escape from the attacks from wild animals, hard winter conditions and the raids of their enemies. It is believed that throughout the years these cities were expanded and also became the hiding places of the Christians who were escaping from the persecution of the Romans. These cities were so elaborately built to include; areas for their livestock, storage rooms, kitchens, ventilation systems, water wells, churches and millstone doors that allowed entrance into the city VIA one way to provide them with better security against raids. The underground cities were built so that the dwellers were able to survive in their cities for extended periods of time.
When touring these underground cities it was so ingenious for the people to dig into the rocks to make their home. With the lack of resources to build (timber) any buildings, the people turned to the rocks. Carving into the rocks provided a steady temperature against the cold winters and hot summers, security, and plenty of natural storage of their precious valuables (food and livestock). We were amazed at how elaborately planned these underground cities were; from the ventilation to the safety against their enemies. We could not image having to live in such times.
Entering into the underground city
A long hallway to the next room
And these hallways were not that big
The ventilation system
Close the door behind you... Please (The millstone)
And it goes on and on.
Cappadocia also allows you the ability to see all this from high in the air with Hot Air Balloon rides. The trip with Randy and Gloria, being in December, did not provide us with the best weather for a ride. BUT when Reed and I went in September, it was fantastic! We got into this big and I mean big basket that allowed up to 20 people to ride. The view was just incredible.
The logistics behind coordinating the many different Hot Air Balloon Companies must be amazing. When we arrived there were many balloons on site being inflated. Then they all took off and landed in several different locations. Now the air traffic controllers in America would have had heart attacks keeping track of all those balloons with their up and down movements. But somehow all these companies managed and there were no incidents. Landing was just a hard bump, but all in all it was an experience of a life time;
The inflation process
Lift off
The view was amazing
Up and down into different valleys and landscapes
Up close and personal to some sites
The landing and the captain's crew
Cappadocia was a great way to end our time with family. The December weather was mild and comfortable. The accommodations at the cave hotel were great. And the best part was relaxing with family!
