During the Roman Emperor, Augustus period, territories of Cappadocian Region as a wide region lying till to the Toros Mountains at south, Aksaray at west, Malatya at east and Eastern Black Sea shores at north within the 17 volume book named 'Geographika' of Strabon, one of the Antic Period writers. Today's Cappadocian Region is the area covered by Nevsehir, Aksaray, Nigde, Kayseri, and Kirsehir cities. More limited area, rocky Cappadocian Region is composed of Üchisar, Göreme, Avanos, Ürgüp, Derinkuyu, Kaymakli, Ihlara and environment.

Dovecotes within the region are small structures constructed within 18th century and end of 19th century. Some of the dovecotes, which are important for showing Islamic picture art are constructed as monastery or church. Surfaces of dovecotes are decorated with rich inscriptions and adornments by regional artists.

NEVSEHIR

Area: 5.467 km²

Population: 309.914 (2000)

Traffic Code : 50

In the mythology of the Hittites and the Phrygians, the region of Nevsehir lies on the planet of Cappadocia, whose creation was the work of the Gods of the Volcanoes and which was shaped by the soft and magical hands of the Gods of the Rains and the Winds. Cappadocia represents a site where Nature and History have commingled in the most beautiful fashion in the world. While geographical circumstances created the Fairy Chimneys, human beings in the course of the historical process sculpted the interiors of these Fairy Chimneys to construct their dwellings and churches, which they decorated with frescoes that have survived as witnesses of civilizations thousands of years old. To preserve this incredible cultural treasury and prevent its capture by others, Thales of Miletus himself divided the Kizilirmagi river (the ancient Halys) into two sections to facilitate the crossing by the forces of the Lydian king to oppose the Persian invading forces. The first scientific calculations in history were also carried out here. Nevsehir constitutes the capital city of the planet Cappadocia. But, the renown of Cappadocia has so intensified as to extend beyond the nation's boundaries and overwhelm that of Nevsehir itself, which has nearly been forgotten. Here, therefore, we hope to conduct a complete survey of the historical and cultural aspect of the Nevsehir area.

The natural beauties and cultural wealth in the environs of Avanos, Zelye and Göreme have attracted the attention of historical writers and travelers for centuries. Historically, Cappadocia was first known as “Katpatuka” in the Persian period, signifying a region where fine horses were bred. It has not yet been resolved whether the word is of Hatti, Luwian, Hittite or Assyrian origin. Surviving documents make mention of horses and horse- breeding in this area. During the Great Kingdom period (1460-1190 B.C.), the Hittites assigned great importance to horses and horsebreeding. Correspondingly, they imported expert horsebreeders from the land of the Mitanni and transmitted their expertise to future generations by inscribing their words on clay tablets. As evidence, we might refer to a work written by a young Mitanni horsebreeding specialist named Kikkuli, which has been recovered from the contemporary Bogazköy state archives.

HOW TO GET

Highway : Reaching to the province of Nevsehir via highway is possible from the entire country.
Telephone of the Bus Station : (+ 90 - 384) 213 40 25
Air Transportation : The airport is approximately 30 km. away from the city center. Reaching to the airport is possible via busses, shared taxis and commercial taxis.

ÜRGÜP

It is a good base to explore the nearby Goreme Valley.

CLIMATE

From season to season, the climate is quite extreme. Summers are hot and dry, with warm nights. Winters are cold and it can even snow, while spring and autumn are mild.

HISTORY

With a geological structure of volcanic formations, Urgup was established within the region which had been shaped into fantastic forms known as ‘Fairy Chimneys’, through erosions of water and wind. The were formed as floodwater poured down the sides of the valleys, combined with strong winds which tore away the softer volcanic rocks, resulting in this unique landscape. It is an important centre in Cappadocia, and has been known by many names: Osian (Assiana), Hagios Prokopios (Byzantine), Bashisar (Seljuk), Burgat Kaalesi (Ottoman) and finally Urgup, from shortly after the founding of the Turkish Republic.

WHERE TO VISIT

Pembe Valley

The most stunning examples of the local landscape and the Fairy Chimneys can be seen along the route to Avanos. Many of these rock formations resemble animals, and the shapes of camels and rabbits can be seen.

Kizilcukur

As a centre of grape and wine production, Kizilcukur, a couple of kilometres northwest of Urgup, contains churches cut into the strange rock formations and decorated with grape figures. The rocks are decorated in different colours, making it a spectacular sight at sunset.

Mustafapasa

Located 5km from Urgup, the small village of Mustafapasa has old stone houses with attractive carved facades dating back to the end of the 19th century, and a cluster of small churches. Once known as Sinasos when it was a thriving Greek community before World War I, it makes an interesting trip from Urgup although is not easily accessible by public transport. Places of interest include a 19th century medrese, the Ayios Vasilios Church, and the Church of Sts Constantine and Helena. There are several small guest-houses and restaurants.

Sarihan

Sarihan (Yellow Caravanserai), around 10km north of Urgup, was constructed by Seljuk Sultan Alaattin Keykubat in 1217. It has a huge courtyard with elaborate gateway, and was used for the loading of animals and a place for travellers break their journey. It is also a great example of Seljuk-Turkish architecture. The road was re-laid and the building restored in the late 1980s, and is now functioning as a museum and cultural centre with performances of dervish dancing in the summer. There is rarely public transport to Sarihan.

Halacdere

Engraved into the tuffs, these basilica-type churches were thought to have been used as hospital buildings by the Christians, and are now almost destroyed. Similar ones can be seen in Ortahisar, like St Peter and St Paul Churches, and the one near the Meskendir River.

Firatkan

Firatkan is a small complex of churches, located on the road to the Goreme Open Air Museum. They have two storeys, consisting of a dormitory, dining hall, kitchen and storerooms, and the storeys are connected to each other through tunnels.

Ortahisar

This village, 3 km southeast of the Goreme Valley, is most famous for its 50m high rock-castle, which is visible from the main road. It is possible to climb the rock, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. This attractive farming village also has examples of the monastery lifestyle, and is a strong cultural and commercial centre. Other places of interest in this area include Harim Church, Sanca Church and Cambazli Church.

Damsa Dam

It is constructed on the Damsa River, the dam is 17 km from Urgup and used mainly for irrigation. It is now an attractive area for walks and picnics, on the shore of the Damsa Lake, surrounded by pine forests and offering good shade in the summer. It is a convenient place to stop en route to Mustafapasa, Taskinpasa and Soganli.

Museums

Ürgüp Museum

The museum is opened in 1971, where Prehistorical, Ancient Bronze Age, Hittite, Frig, Persia, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman period pieces of arts besides Ürgüp and environs acquired fossil samples are in the museum. There is also an ethnographic section for regional clothes, furniture and guns within the museum.

Ruins of Ürgüp Museum are Mustafapasa (Sinasos) Aios Vasilios Church, Monastery Valley Churches, Yesilöz (Saint Theodor) Church and Pancarlik Church.

Religious Monuments

Saint Theodore (Tagar) Church

Around 15 km southeast of Urgup, the village of Yesiloz contains the famous T-shaped St Thoedore’s Church. It is possible to access the gallery on the upper floor by a ladder, making it unique in Cappadocia. The church has been decorated by three artists, whose pictures are generally well preserved. Scenes depicted include the prophets, the disciples, Christ on the crucifix and the angels Gabriel and Michael.

Pancarlik Church

South of Ortahisar in the Pancarlik Valley, this church dates back to the first half of the 11th century. Its intricate religious paintings are predominantly green, and have generally been well preserved. They depict a vast range of biblical scenes, including Joseph’s second dream, the escape to Egypt, the miracle of the water into wine, the loaves and fishes, the cure of a leper, Christ on the crucifix and later his resurrection.

Scenes

Appearances of the prophets, herald, visit, evidence of virginity, voyage to Beytüllahim, birth, worship of three astrologer, second dream of Joseph, escape to Egypt, massacre of innocent children, introduction of Jesus Christ to temple, follow up of Elizabeth, appointment of Baptist Yahya, baptism, test of Jesus Christ, Kana marriage, wine miracle, fish and bread augmentation, appointment of disciples for sake of God, cure of devil crooked man, cure of leper man, cure of disabled woman, cure of daughter of Jairus, fish augmentation miracle, Jesus Christ and woman from Samarra, metamorphism, Jesus Christ on the way to Golgotha, Jesus on crucifix, Landing of Jesus Christ to inferno, rise of Jesus Christ to the sky, angel Gabriel and Michael and saint pictures in medallions.

Ala Church and Kepez Churches

These are considered important churches in the region, located on the road of Pancarkil. They have plain red decorations, and frescoes.

Balkan Churches

These form a small cluster, some 2 km from Ortahisar, and date back to the Ikolonazma period.

Taskinpasa Mosque

Taskinpasa mosque is in the centre of the village of Damsa, 20 km south of Urgup, dates back to the Karamanlilar period. Its balcony is made of walnut ornamental inlaying, which is the only remaining one of its kind. The Taskinpasa Tomb, belonging to Hizir Reis, is opposite the mosque and belongs to the same period.

Castles

Kadi Castle

This rock-castle was a place of refuge for women and children during times of danger. A tunnel opened to the Damsa River, constructed for the purpose. Most of the building has since collapsed mainly due to erosion, but the undamaged section is open to visitors.

Tombs

Temenni (Mausoleum )

This monumental Selcuk tomb, constructed by Vecihi Pasa and dedicated to Kilicarslan IV, dates back to 1288. Perched on Kadi Kalesi, the most peculiar feature of the tomb is the 700m tunnel, of which the original purpose is unclear. It has an Ottoman library, one of the oldest in Anatolia, with photographs of pre-1923 Urgup. Visitors are allowed to walk through the corridor that leads to the point of a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. Opening hours: 08:30 – 18:00, daily.

Altikapi

Literally translating as Six Gates Tomb, this monument in the north of the city centre was constructed by a commander from the 12th of 13th century Selcuk period, and dedicated to his wife and children.

This is a good area to buy carpets, jewellery and antiquities, and many traders come here en route to Istanbul. The main shopping area starts at Cumhuriyet Meydani and continues down Kayseri Caddesi, and carpets from throughout the country can be found here. There are shops selling a good range of silver antiques, brought mainly from the villages around eastern Turkey. Other souvenirs include figures of Fairy Chimneys, Cappadocian dolls, ceramic cups, and of course local wine which is sold in various wine houses.

DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT

- Visiting Ürgüp Museum,

- Seeing the churches and Taskinpasa Mosque,

- Seeing the unique rock formations in the surrounding area,

- Buying region made souvenirs.

AVANOS

Located ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak has always been used. It is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and superb views over the river.

CLIMATE

Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and wet.

WHERE TO VISIT

Zelve

About 5 km from Avanos and 1 km from Pasabaglari, Zelve was founded on the steep northern slopes of Aktepe. Consisting of three separate valleys, the ruins of Zelve is the area with the most 'fairy chimneys' - a famous sight special to Cappadocia - which here have sharp points and thick trunks. It is not known exactly when people began living in the dwellings carved into the rock, found in places like Uchisar, Goreme, Cavusin and Zelve. What is known is that Zelve was an important Christian community and religious centre in the 9th and 13th centuries, where, the first religious seminars for priests were held in the vicinity.

Cavusin (Nicephorus Phocas) Church

It is beside the Göreme-Avanos road 2.5 km out of Göreme. The narthex of this church has fallen down. It has tunnel vaults, a high nave and 3 apses. It dates back to 964-965 AD.

Güllüdere (St. Agathangelus) Church

It is located in the far left draw of the Güllüdere valley about 2 km from the village of Cavusin. It was founded at the mouth of the draw on top of a steep slope.

The design of the nave is square with a flat ceiling and it has a single broad apse. The apse was added in the 9th or 10th century to the main structure dating back to the 6th - 7th century. There are 2 or 3 layers of frescoes in the apse which indicates that it was painted regularly. Symbols of Gospel authors are drawn symmetrically and are sitting on the right and left of an enthroned Jesus.

In the middle of the flat ceiling is the relief of a cross in the middle of a circle surrounded with palm leaves and garlands. This sort of relief most likely belongs to the Iconoclastic period. The people of the area had a great love for the cross and it continued to be used as a motif after the Iconoclastic era because it symbolized the "Holy Cross" in Jerusalem.

Özkonak Underground City

Located 14 km northeast of Avanos, this underground city was built on the northern slopes of Mt. Idis in an area with lots of strata made up of volcanic granite. The extensive galleries of the city are spread out over a large area and connected to each another by tunnels. The underground cities in Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, are very narrow (5 cm) and there are long holes between the different levels of the city that used to provide communication between the different levels of the city. The ventilation of these neatly carved out rooms was provided by these holes when the city was sealed up against enemies.

The city was discovered in 1972 by the local muezzin and farmer Latif Acar, when he was trying to find out where the water disappeared, which was tending to his crops. First of all, he found an underground room which, , was revealed a whole city housed with an incredible 60,000 people for up to three months, after excaveted. A total of 10 floors were discovered, to a depth 40m, although now only four are open.

It is unlikely that the other underground cities in this area, besides the rolling stone doors, there were holes above the tunnels used for dumping hot oil on the enemy. Similar to Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, Ozkonak has a ventilation system, a water well, a winery and rolling stone doors.

Opening hours: Summer 08.00 - 19.00; winter 08.00 - 17.00

DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT

- Seeing the views from Zelve,

- Visiting Cavusin and Güllüdere Churches,

- Exploring the Özkonak underground ancient city,

- Watching the steps of pottery making,

- Buying regional handicrafts.

GÖREME

WHERE TO VISIT

Göreme, in which there are lots of fairy chimneys and churches, is declared as an open air museum. Tokali Church, Priestesses and Priests Monastery, Saint Basil Chapel, Elmali Church, Saint Barbara Chapel, Yilanli (Saint Onuphrius) Church, Karanlik Church, Carikli Church, El Nazar Church, Sakli Church, Mother Mary (Kiliclar Kusluk) Church, Saint Eustathios Church and Durmus Kadir Churches within its territories are valuable to visit places.

Valleys, composed of tuff rocks between Göreme Valley and Aktepe, are known as Büyük and Kücük Kiliclar. There is Kiliclar Church within the valley, which has an impressive appearance with tunnels, fairy chimneys in which water ways are passing by and interesting shaped rocks.

Göreme Open Air Museum

Göreme is a wide open air museum, which is under protection with Fairy Chimneys and lots of very interesting churches. The region was one of the most important centers of Christianity.

Göreme National Park

DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT

- Visiting churches within Göreme Open Air Museum,

- Seeing Kiliclar Valley,

- Buying hand made souvenirs.

All these informations and pictures are from the web site of REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.