CAPPADOCIA
DESCRIPTION
The region Cappodocia is located in the centre of Anatolia, Turkey. It has amazing valleys, canyons, hills and unusual rock formation emerged from powerful rains and volcanic structures. The area is a great touristic attraction as it has unique aspects and features such as its culture, history and geology. Cappadocia is what you might see in a sci-fi or fantasy movie as it has underground cities, open air museum fairy chimneys, hot air balloon tours, hiking in the valleys, jeep safari, horse riding and many more activities. The name derives from the Persian word “Katpatuka” which means ‘the land of beautiful horses’.
Horses were important for locals as it is now. The region of Cappadocia is a large producer of grapes and its wine making has a long history as wine from the region has won international awards. Cappadocia is known for ceramic arts, hand woven carpets and semi precious stones.
HISTORY
After the Hittite Empire collapsed, a dark age started in the region due to the rise of the Persian Empire, but was halted by Alexander the Great defeated but encountered great resistance in Cappadocia. The Roman Empire arose to power at the end of the 3rd century BC. It was haven for Christians who wanted to be educated whilst the Romans were hunting them. Cities were built underground for protection. In the 11th and 12th century, the Seljuk Turks seized control of Cappadocia and stayed that way till modern day. It is believed that 500 churches have been left behind during the Christian migration. The fragments they have left behind decorates Cappadocia, with its basilicas, cruciform plans, vestibules, pillars, columns and many more.
WEATHER
Cappadocia has warm/hot summers and cold winters. Snowfall is strong during winters. Its summers are very dry and hot but not oppressive hence why the locals do not use air condition. For a month (late July to late August), the weather can hit 40 degrees. It usually rains 2-3 times a month. During winter, it can snow as early as November but wouldn’t hold till December or January. It can continue till as late as April but should ease down early March. Spring, autumn and summer are the preferred times of the year to visit Cappadocia.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Holders of UK, EU and US passports require visas. Visa’s must be obtained in advance, passengers need to obtain an e-visa prior to their arrival. This can be done online at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ for approximately US$20. The visa is valid for a stay of up to three months (dependent on passport holder’s nationality). For a longer stay a visa from a Turkish Embassy is required.
No vaccination required
HOT TIPS
After the Hittite Empire collapsed, a dark age started in the region due to the rise of the Persian Empire, but was halted by Alexander the Great defeated but encountered great resistance in Cappadocia. The Roman Empire arose to power at the end of the 3rd century BC. It was haven for Christians who wanted to be educated whilst the Romans were hunting them. Cities were built underground for protection. In the 11th and 12th century, the Seljuk Turks seized control of Cappadocia and stayed that way till modern day. It is believed that 500 churches have been left behind during the Christian migration. The fragments they have left behind decorates Cappadocia, with its basilicas, cruciform plans, vestibules, pillars, columns and many more.
Cappadocia has warm/hot summers and cold winters. Snowfall is strong during winters. Its summers are very dry and hot but not oppressive hence why the locals do not use air condition. For a month (late July to late August), the weather can hit 40 degrees. It usually rains 2-3 times a month. During winter, it can snow as early as November but wouldn’t hold till December or January. It can continue till as late as April but should ease down early March. Spring, autumn and summer are the preferred times of the year to visit Cappadocia.
Holders of UK, EU and US passports require visas. Visa's must be obtained in advance, passengers need to obtain an e-visa prior to their arrival. This can be done online at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ for approximately US$20. The visa is valid for a stay of up to three months (dependent on passport holder's nationality). For a longer stay a visa from a Turkish Embassy is required.
No vaccination required
Take to the majestic skies to view the mystical and magical view from above. The Cappadocian environment and habitat creates a scenery from a ski-fi or fantasy movie.
The Museum Pass is very handy if you are staying for a few days. Excluding the Uchisar Castle, the pass is valid in many places such as Goreme Open Air Museum and Dark Church, Ihlara Valley, Derinkuyu Underground City, Kaymakli Underground City and Zelve Archaeological Site. If you're looking to go for a package that consists of Istanbul, Ephesus and Pamukkale, the Museum Pass Turkey might be more reasonable.
The temperature is flexible and can change tide in just a couple hours. If you're going to jump on a hot air balloon or watch the sunset or sunrise, make sure you bring some sclothes that will cover you up. If you're going to ride a bike or an ATV, a thick jacket will do you good as it can get really windy. Turkey is a Muslim and Secular country, this means you can wear whatever you want, the only exception is when you enter a Mosque, you will be required to wear long trousers and woman must cover their hair.