Cappadocia

An ancient region in central Anatolia

Provinces: Aksaray, Kayseri, Kirsehir, Nevsehir, Nigde, Yozgat

Situation and Topography

Cappadocia, named after the Cappadocians who settled here ca. 700 B.C., is generally regarded as the plains and the mountainous region of eastern central Anatolia around the upper and middle reaches of the River K›z›l›rmak. It was here that several ancient highways crossed and different cultures came into contact with each other. It was also the land of the Hittites. The sparsely inhabited landscape of Cappadocia is characterized by red sandstone and salt deposits of the Miocene (Tertiary) period. But the high plains of Bozok Yaylas, the karst regions of Sivas and the pastures of Uzun Yayla are also regarded as Cappadocia. However, the relatively small areas of fertile soil on volcanic tuff is where the population tends to concentrate. This southern part of Cappadocia, the more densely populated, is often spoken of as the heart of the region and yet it lies in the extreme southwestern corner. As well as cereals, Cappadocia is best known for potatoes and fruit. The origins of this unusual region can be traced to the Tertiary period some 50million years ago, when craters and chimneys dominated the landscape. Since then, huge quantities of volcanic material have spewed out of the many volcanoes. Forces of erosion have shaped the incredible and unique Cappadocian tuff-coned landscape. For hundreds of years, men and women have dug into the soft but firm tuff to create dwellings, monasteries, churches, even whole troglodyte villages. Ürgüp, Nevsehir and the surrounding area are the main tourist centers.

History

The history of Cappadocia began in prehistoric times. Hatti culture held sway during the Bronze Age and in about the second millennium B.C., the Hittites settled in the region. Soon the Assyrians had established their trading posts. Phrygians probably ruled Cappadocia from 1250 B.C., but the Lydians were expelled by the middle of the sixth century B.C. In A.D. 17 the region became a Roman province, trade and military routes were built and urban centers and settlements were encouraged. As Asia Minor came under Christian influence, the first Christian communities appeared in Cappadocia and those persecuted for their religious beliefs elsewhere sought refuge in the region. Cappadocia thus became a melting pot of a variety of ethnic groups, all of which have influenced the culture and religious beliefs. Basilius the Great (329-379) bishop of Caesarea (Kayseri) inspired many religious colonies and for a thousand years an active monastic way of life endured throughout Cappadocia. Invasions first from Turkmenistan and Mongolia and then from Turkey put an end to the movement.

The national park and rock sites were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.