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Cappadocia is Persian word for “the land of free horses.”
As soon as you take the first step to Cappadocia, a
strange feeling of alienation and liberty surrounds you.
The fairy chimneys, color of the soil, scrappy streets,
impressive architecture and the sky deeply affect and
even enchant you.
This land is not only beautiful, but is fertile as well.
Potato is among the primary agricultural products
grown here. Additionally, grape is another indispensable
product of the region. They also say you shouldn’t
return home without tasting its pumpkin seed. We tried
it and gave credit to those who strongly recommended
it. These pumpkin seeds are the most delicious we have
eaten so far.
The Hittites were the first residents of the region. Later,
this ancient land became one of themost important
centers of Christianity. Houses and churches carved
into rocks turned the region into a giant shelter for
Christians who fled the invasions of the Roman Empire.
Accommodating trade colonies throughout history,
Cappadociawhich served as a commercial and social
bridge between countries, was also one of the significant
gateways of the Silk Road.
ADVENTUROUS CAPPADOCIA
A center of attractionwith its houses and churches carved
into rocks and fairy chimneys, Cappadocia also offers
options for the adventure-seeker. The hot air balloon tours
are one of themost popular tourist activities. Getting on a
hot air balloon is actually not all that easy. You are required
towake up in thewee hours of themorning and go to the
office of the tour company, whichwill arrange the balloon
HISTORY OF THE FAIRY CHIMNEYS
The TaurusMountains rose in the third geological period and volcanoes started to erupt with the atmospheric pressure
over the Northern Anatolian Plateau. Themountains Erciyes, Hasandağı and Göllüdağ located between these two
mountains sprayed lava to the region. Ashes compiled in the plateau formed a soft tuff layer and the tuff layer was covered
by a thin layer of lava, whichwas comprised of hard basalt in patches. The basalt cracked and broke apart. Rainwater leaked
through the cracks and eroded the soft tuff. Winds in thewarmand coldweather also had a role in this formation. Thus,
cones having hard basalt rock caps were formed. The community named these not-so-usual and intriguing rocks shaped
by the great Creator: The fairy chimney.
CULTURE
TRAVEL
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October-November-December 2015