Cappadocia, Turkey : a miracle of Nature

Cappadocia is somewhere in the middle of Turkey.  It is home of an interesting geological formation.  Millions of years ago, volcanic ashes from ancient volcanic eruptions fell upon Cappadocia.  Wind and water erosion cut through the lands to form immense valleys and rock structures.


(Valleys formed by land erosion)

Early peoples already knew how to cut through the soft rock structures in making their shelters and homes.  Over the century, hundreds of these homes were created.  Some were used as chapels, storage and hotels.  Some were carved out from underground.  Many of them were connected by underground paths as parts of the massive underground city.


(Some of the stone houses are still in use)

Building houses through excavations was also applied in other civilizations.  So far, I have come across similar mud house structures in the ancient city of Gaochang, Xinjiang and the Loess Plateau in China. 

Cappadocia is also a great place for riding hot air balloons.  You can watch the beautiful sunrise from the balloon and overlook the geological miracle from the top.  An hour ride can cost you about US$150.  We have tried and would like to recommend this to you.
Here are few pictures taken from the hot air balloon.


(Firing up the balloons)

(Many balloons in the sky)



(Came back to earth)