Volcanic Architecture of Cappadocia

Cappadocia means "Beautiful Horses Land" in Persian language. But today Cappadocia is a very impressive place with its interesting topography and the architecture of this earth structure.

During the period of volcanic activity, lava and ashes emitted as a result of explosions in the region formed soft rock layers. Since these tuff rocks are soft, from the 8th century onwards, it allowed people to carve out and build shelter for them.In addition to transforming the interior of the rocks into living spaces, they also used them as structures for protection.

After the Hittites settled in this area, they built tunnels between them to connect these cave houses. Thus, they developed a defense system against external dangers. These interconnected interiors with narrowly dug corridors so that the enemy could not pass easily, were perfect spaces to hide.

Christians came to Cappadocia in the 1st century AD and hid in these underground cities to escape the persecution of the Roman Empire, which believed in polytheistic religion at that time. After Constantine's acception of Christianity, Cappadocia became Christian. This time, these cities were used to protect them from the invasions of the Arabs and the Sassanids. When the region passed under the rule of the Seljuks, caravanserais were built nearby. Tunnels between these houses carved into the rocks were also used to protect from the looters who stop over in these caravanserais.

If we look at the architecture of these underground cities, we see that they provide all kinds of order to live permanently. There are cities that go down 12 floors. There are air chimneys that provide an incredibly good ventilation of the interior of this construction. These air chimneys were also used for communication between floors. There were shelters for animals in these cities as well. The animals were kept on the first floor because it was difficult to bring the animals down.

While the interior design was taking shape, a number of solutions were brought for protection against enemies. The sliding doors which were wheel-shaped, with holes in the middle to see the enemy, were for locking the corridors. Also the corridors and galleries were full of traps which were very important for defense.

The kitchens of the houses were common. They cook the food in the stove called “tandır”. Food storage areas had millstones to grind wheat. The water was obtained from the wells, but they did not allow these wells to come to earth against the possibility of poisoning by the enemy. The entrances of these cities were also reserved.

The churches of these cities used architectural plans of Byzantine churches. Interior architectural elements such as arches, vaults and columns used in surrounding civilizations were built by carving stones in churches. Paintings and icons were drawn on the walls of the church with fresco technique.

I recommend everyone to see this beauty of nature and architecture, which has a unique mystery in every corner of the world.