Day 12, part 1 (April 11, 2013) of our OAT's Turkey's Sacred lands and Ancient Civilizations Tour. BIG DAY! We visit the underground city of Kaymakli and hike the Sognali Valley (separate post) plus we are attacked by the doll women.(separate post) We visit a pottery business and watch how an intricate wine decanter is made. (Moe's post)
Kaymakli-the underground city
Kaymaklı Underground City is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. And I might not be able to see it...
I'm claustrophic and am unable to go into spaces that get progressively narrower and smaller. Nordan assured me that I could go to the first level and probably the second. If I went further I would have to go all the way to the bottom--eight levels. No turning back!
The Underground City
The underground city is one of the most famous of the Cappadocia underground cities in central Turkey. Built by early Christians to protect themselves from religious persecution, Kaymaklı is an elaborate labyrinth of tunnels and caves.
The most impressive aspect of the underground city is its organized, structured and comprehensive nature. It had everything from living spaces, stables and communal kitchens to a church and a graveyard. It was well fortified to protect its inhabitants.
The underground city was first opened to tourists in 1964. Only a small portion of the the nearly one hundred tunnels and rooms are open to the public. The houses in the village above are constructed around the tunnels of the underground city which are still used for storage, stables, and cellars.
It is unclear when the city was actually constructed, but the earliest Christians were living in the area from the 4th century.
Level one
Very easy grade, wide and open. Livestock could be brought in and stabled here. There are feeding areas for grain/hay and places to tie stock. The small size of the stable could indicate that other stables exist in the sections not yet opened.
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| the blue light is from a flashlight |
Level two
Deep ventilation shafts provide fresh air--nice to know...
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| Going down to level two--checking it out first |
Located on the second floor is a church with a nave and two apses. The church level also contains some living spaces.
Moe and I bailed on the 2nd level. The rest of the group went on and we retreated.
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| Good-bye, hope to see you again |
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| there they go |
We were left on our own with instruction how to exit (follow the arrow). Our wise and experienced tour guide Nurdan got us to Kaymali before any other tours.
She had an experience of being behind a large person stuck in the tunnel with no way to retreat because of the hordes behind her. (This is why I'm claustrophobic!) Early is best!
There were no other people around so Moe and I explored for a half hour.
When we emerged it was time for tea
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| Marie, Ed and Tim welcome us |
Teaser for upcoming blogs--Hiking in Sognali Valley and Local Women Make Dolls
In the Soganli Valley we hiked and visited many churches in the rocks. This is a quick review to entice you to a more comprehensive and wonderful posting!
Church in the rock tuff
We think of marred frescoes as graffiti, however these markings are prayers and supplications to God. One of them is dated 1884.
We were welcomed by these women in the village of Soganli. They spoke some french as the earliest visitors here were from France. They showed us how to make a beautiful doll in ten minutes! Moe is going to post the process in pictures so you can make a doll, too!
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| Nurdan is helping |
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| She is knitting gloves |
Fierce competition for your turkish lire ensued after the demonstration!
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| What happened? We seem to own many dolls now! |
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| strange seat mates |
Another Teaser--Hiking in the Soganli Valley
There will be a separate post on this amazing area.
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| Roger contemplates |
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| monastery |
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| Don't despair, these bushes will produce grapes eventually |
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| another monastery |
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