Derinkuyu Underground City of Turkey
Derinkuyu underground city in Cappadocia Turkey is found in Nevsehir region back to the Byzantine era.
Derinkuyu underground city in Cappadocia Turkey, is found in the Nevsehir region dating back to the Byzantine era, representing about 85 meters (250 feet) below the bottom with the whole city construction. This underground city of Derinkuyu contains many sophisticated structures like ventilation, church, stable, and cellar, but only one-tenth of the town is accessible.
Some of the holes within the site don`t have any implications to the bottom level just in case of poisoning during an invasion. So visitors who want to urge a taste of a dramatically different life under the bottom are attracted by this place with stone doors back to the 15th century within the Cappadocia region.
How was Derinkuyu Underground city formed?
Ancient volcanic eruptions allowed Derinkuyu to exist. Several million years ago, layers upon layers of ash, aka tuff, built up and eventually changed into a stable rock that’s also capable of being carved. Long after the eruptions, Cappadocia inhabitants realized that they might carve their dwellings into the rock and underground. Underground Cities?
These troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hittite times and expanded over the centuries as various marauding armies traversed Central Anatolia in search of captives and plunder. There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia, and the deepest one is Derinkuyu underground city.
The underground city is approximately 85 m deep. It has all the regular rooms found in an underground city (stables, basements, storage rooms, refectories, Turkish churches, wineries, etc.). But these, an outsized room with a pile-vaulted cover on the second floor, was a missionary school, the rooms to the left being classrooms.
From the 3rd and 4th floors onwards, the descent is by way of vertical staircases, which result in a cruciform plan church on a very cheap floor. The 55m deep air duct was also used as a well. Not every floor was given water wells up to the surface so as to shield the dwellers from poisoning during raids.
Derinkuyu contains a minimum of 16,000 air-conditioning ducts that provide fresh air deep within the underground city. The Derinkuyu Underground City was opened to visitors in 1965. This place is a great example of historical Turkish tourism.
When was the underground city created?
It’s supposed that the Derinkuyu underground city was started by the Phrygians, an European people, within the 8th to 7th centuries BCE. After the population became Christian in Roman times, they began to incorporate chapels in their underground dwellings. Also, it’s considered that the Christian community used the underground city to escape murder by the Romans.
It is unlikely that the underground cities were ever intended for permanent dwelling, or perhaps long stays, but they were clearly built to resist attack and will support large numbers of individuals and their livestock for extended periods of time. The urban organization was very complex, and there was probably always added progress.
Hidden Treasures of Derinkuyu
Ancient chambers of Derinkuyu whisper tales of daily life, spiritual devotion, and human perseverance. Each room reveals remarkable insights into underground civilization.
Ancient wine presses
Master craftsmen carved specialized wine production chambers deep within the city's heart. Pressing vats and storage amphoras stand testament to their vintner skills. These sacred spaces served dual purposes - practical sustenance and ceremonial rituals, while additional oil presses provided essential resources. Nature herself aided their craft, as constant underground temperatures yielded perfect conditions for wine fermentation.
Religious chambers
Sacred echoes linger between the third and fourth levels, where a magnificent cruciform church stands frozen in time. Faithful residents found solace in numerous chapels scattered throughout the complex. One chamber holds a particularly fascinating discovery - a Star of David etched near its ceiling, speaking of diverse spiritual traditions within these walls.
Storage systems
Third level chambers showcase ancient survival wisdom. Meticulous storage networks reveal:
- Large ceramic vessels for grain storage
- Dedicated cellars for preserving perishables
- Specialized vats for oil storage
- Designated areas for livestock feed
Educational spaces
Knowledge flourished beneath the earth, evidenced by an impressive Byzantine missionary school gracing the second floor. Barrel-vaulted ceilings arch over this temple of learning. Study rooms and teaching chambers paint pictures of scholarly pursuit. Young minds continued their journey of discovery even during extended periods of underground refuge.
These preserved spaces tell tales of remarkable human adaptability. Educational halls, storage chambers, and production areas worked as one living organism, nurturing a thriving community that kept its cultural flame burning bright beneath the earth's surface.
Modern Tourism at Derinkuyu
Eight remarkable levels await modern explorers at this ancient marvel, welcoming curious minds since 1969. Sacred chambers open their secrets daily - 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM marks peak season (April-October), while winter months (November-March) welcome visitors 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Getting there from major cities
Roads ancient and modern lead to Derinkuyu's depths. Göreme and Uchisar serve as primary gateways to this underground realm. Adventurous souls might choose rental cars, mastering the 40-minute journey from Göreme. Public transport weaves its own path - board a shuttle bound for Nevşehir, then catch a minibus marked for Derinkuyu.
Photography tips
Capturing Derinkuyu's soul demands artistic wisdom:
- Wide-angle lenses unveil vast chamber secrets
- Low-light mastery reveals hidden details
- Shadow plays dance across ancient walls
- Human figures speak tales of scale
- Additional lights pierce darkness's veil
Cool air embraces visitors year-round - wise travelers don sturdy shoes and warm layers. Two hours mark typical journeys through these depths. Though flash photography sleeps to protect ancient walls, patient photographers still capture timeless moments in this underground realm.
Places to visit in Cappadocia
There are so many fascinating things to see in Cappadocia that you could spend a lifetime here and still discover new places. The top must-see attractions include the two large open-air museums and the most impressive underground cities.
Nevertheless, there are also many small, hidden rock-cut churches and abbeys, marvelous hiking trails, several spectacular caravanserais, and breathtaking rock formations well worth going out of your way to visit.
Derinkuyu Underground City cave system is one in all the leading remarkable things to do in Cappadocia. Walk down through over five levels of the cave system, which once housed over 25,000 people and their livestock!
FAQS
Q1. What is the best underground city near Cappadocia?
Derinkuyu Underground City is the most famous in Cappadocia, offering a vast network of tunnels and chambers stretching eight levels deep.
Q2. Who built the Derinkuyu Underground City?
The ancient Phrygians are believed to have carved Derinkuyu, later expanded by early Christians seeking refuge from persecution.
Q3. Is Derinkuyu Underground City worth it?
Absolutely! Its hidden tunnels, ancient living spaces, and rich history make it a must-visit site in Cappadocia.
Q4. Can you go inside Derinkuyu?
Yes! Visitors can explore its winding passages, storage rooms, and even a church, an unforgettable underground adventure awaits.