Cappadocia: Turkey's fascinating semi-arid region

Cappadocia is a historic region in central Turkey, bordered by the cities of Kayseri in the north and Aksaray in the south. This region, whose name literally means 'the land of beautiful horses', is a world in itself. Inhabited by the Hittites 2,500 years B.C., it contains magnificent treasures surrounded by an enchanting tranquillity. It is characterised by cave cities and picturesque landscapes. Among them are the unmissable Fairy Chimneys - large rock formations shaped like chimneys that fascinate tourists and geologists alike.

Cappadocia has a rich ancient history, having been successively part of the Persian Empire under Darius, an imperial province during the Roman Empire, the Arab Caliphate under the Abbasids and finally the centre of the Ottoman Empire. These periods brought to Cappadocia a multitude of Byzantine rock-cut monasteries, frescoed churches and monasteries. These religious buildings (more than 380 are listed) are now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. This makes Cappadocia a region full of anecdotes, where the splendour of the remains has endured over time and continues to delight tourists.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the area is the underground city of Derinkuyu. Built around 1400 BC. JC to protect itself from the invasions that were shaking the region, this city is the largest subterranean city in Turkey. Of the 20 levels in the city, visitors can explore the first 8 for an unforgettable experience. About 10 kilometres north of Derinkuyu, the town of Kaymakli also has an underground section with 4 levels open to the public. These two tourist attractions are among the hundreds of listed underground cities in Turkey.

If you're looking for unusual and out-of-the-ordinary locations, Uçhisar is the place to be. This village is known all over the world because it is built on a mountain that culminates in Kale, a rock visible from several kilometres away, at a height of 130 metres. This fortress contains a multitude of churches, monasteries, common rooms and galleries stretching for tens of kilometres. Uçhisar served as a refuge for thousands of people fleeing the invasions.

Finally, the Göreme National Park is a veritable sanctuary carved into the rock, not to be missed. An impressive testimony to Byzantine art, it contains thousands of ancient cave dwellings. A landscape from another age, frozen in time. A few kilometres away is the Devrent Valley, one of the most beautiful and fascinating in the region. The erosion caused by the climate has given the rocks special shapes. Tourists can see the famous Devrent camel, naturally carved into the rock. Depending on our imagination, figures can appear...

But discovering this amazing region of Turkey is also about its culture and gastronomy. Take advantage of your stay to attend a Whirling Dervish dance performance, a traditional Turkish art form. As for the cuisine, let yourself be tempted by one of the region's culinary specialities. Whether it is testi kebab, Çebiç, meat loaf or beans in a pot, one thing is certain: you will enjoy yourself in Cappadocia!