Kaymakli Underground City and Other Turkish History

There is so much ancient history in Turkey, some of it dating back to the time of the Hitites, 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.  One of the places I was going today was the Kaymakli Underground City but we also went for a drive through the countryside.

Selcuklu Camii

The first part of our journey took us into a little village that hosts one of the oldest mosque buildings in the Cappadocia district.
The doors of the mosque weren't open so we didn't go inside but while I was wandering around the building I spotted an open air stone building with 3 women inside.

As I got closer I realized they were baking bread.  I asked our guide Numan to ask the women if it would be okay to take pictures of them and he confirmed it would be.  Then they handed him a circle of bread right out of the oven!  We
shared the fresh bread as we drove along and it was so delicious.
We meandered through the countryside rather than on the highway, enjoying the farmland views.  People were planting or picking in the fields and cows, horses, and sheep were grazing on the hillside.  Every once in awhile we would pass a village or a small town.  Some were obviously very old townsites, some quite modern.

Kaymakli Underground City

Our next stop was the underground city of Kaymakli.  Kaymakli is built under the Citadel of Kaymakli and dates back to as early as the Hittite times.  This particular underground city is the widest underground city that is open to the public.  The deepest is Derinkuyu Underground City but is not the best choice for older travelers..... like me :))  I had to do a fair amount of crouching to manouver through the tunnels.

Our Guide - Levent

Our guide at the underground city, Levent, had just finished his time in the Turkish army and we were his first customers.  He was very excited about his new position.

Standing by a wheel that was rolled
In front of the passageway for protection

Levent gave us a great tour and guided us through the underground city safely.  Archeologists have reported that supposedly at one time this underground city housed up to 3,500 people from all walks of life.
The higher levels (closer to the surface) housed the richer occupants.  By the time we were down to the 5 level it was difficult to stand up completely in spots because of the low ceiling.
Living in the underground caves made it much safer during war times too.  Levent was very knowledgeable and explained everything about the 5 levels we visited. For me the wine cellars and the shared kitchens was very interesting information.
There are 3 more levels that have been discovered but they are currently closed for safety reasons.
Another neat thing about our tour guide was he and his friends played in the underground city when he was growing up.  What a great playground!  It was also good to know that we were supporting one of the local people.

Ayvali Area

Next we headed back along another country road to Ayvali.  For anyone wanting to escape from it all this is a wonderful place.  Don't expect to run down to the corner store easily! There was definitely a rooster to wake you up in the morning though!

We continued our drive and the next thing we knew we were heading "off-road!" A neat thing about the car we were in was it was atomatic or standard - whatever was needed. Numan stopped at a site that would be perfect for a roadside picnic.
It was peaceful and tranquil and magical.  Down in the valley we could see footpaths meandering through the rocks and greenery.

Off the Beaten Path

The sun was getting lower in the sky.  It is difficult to explain the sunsets here.  You have to experience them yourself.

Four hours after we started the tour we were back at the hotel and I was ready to put my feet up.  It was a wonderful day!

Numan our Guide

If you are planning to see the sites around Goreme and Cappadocia and need a guide, contact Numan at www.turtletour.com
for excellent service.