CAPPADOCIA

    Cappadocia, which means "The Land of Fine Horses". During the early ages, besides its horses, it was famaous for its red ochre, ceramics and alabaster. The earth pillars consisting of volcanic tuffs add additional beauty to the landscape. During the Byzantine period some 360 churches and monastries were built by excavating these earth pillars, and their walls were decorated with religious paintings. Goreme has been declared a National Park and is on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

      Cappadocia is located approximately 50km. to the south of Mount Erciyes (Argaeus), a former volcano. The violent eruptions of Erciyes covered whole area with a thick layer of volcanic ash. During the following ages this hardened tuff created a bizarre landscape by the strong influence of the wind and water erosion. Some of these chimney-like rock formations were dug-in as home or sometimes a church by the local people.

      They used to speak a different language than their neighbors. Famous geographer and historian Strabon mentioned about these people in his book "Geographica" with their separate culture and language. This fertile country was occupied by its stronger neighbors throughout the ages. Persians, Macedonians and Romans were among the rulers of the land and its people in different times.

       During the early periods of Christianity, the first followers of Jesus and his apostles settled in the area to hide from the soldiers of Roman Empire. It is known that St.Paul was looking for a secure place after expelled from Jerusalem. He came to Cappadocia and established the first Christian colony in this region with his followers.

      According to Herodotus, the people of Cappadocia were called Syrians by their neighbors in Anatolia. The name Cappadocian was first used by Persians. They called the land Cappadocia and the people living on it Cappadocian.

     Cappadocia was known to be a wealthy country with its fertile land and trade links with the neighbors. The first kingdom of Anatolia was founded in this region by the Hattis, 2000 years before Christ. There are various ruins in this area remained from the Hatti kingdom period.

Finally, this important region of Anatolia was conquered and ruled by the Seljuks and Ottomans
 

Several alternative activities can be arranged , please  e-mail us for more information and reservations.

  A Hot-air balloon flight is unique from all other experiences of flight as  there is no sensation of motion. Travelling at heights of up to 1500 feet, the feeling is one of peace and tranquility. The earth slowly descends and rotates below you. Within moments after lifting off you become at ease while you effortlessly drift over the treetops and the spectacular Cappadocian landscape. It is like a dream to gently float over the countryside in complete harmony with your surroundings.

    Horse Back riding is an unforgetable experience in Cappadocia.  Riding beautifull horses in the beautifull valleys. Horse Back riding tour durations :   Between 2 and 8 hours

    Walking and Trekking in the most beautiful valleys of the Goreme, Cappadocia and explore many hidden 10th century churches with frescoes.

ANCIENT CITIES OF CAPPADOCIA                             CAPPADOCIA PICTURES