This is inside a cave that Cappadocean christians built in order to escape Roman persecution. This particular cave is one of thirty just like it. This is the second largest of the caves and has eight levels that go below ground. We went down four levels, which was equivalent to about six stories. These caves were dug out in the 2nd and 3rd century A.D.
These two pictures are of one of the largest rock churches/houses. People would dig out this easy to manipulate volcanic rock called Tufa in order to form a free village. People still live in these today!
This particular Tufa has been eroded by rain fall but the Basalt rock on the tip does not erode as quickly and leaves this magnificent natural wonder; this is unique to Cappadocia.
Doesn’t this landscape just seem Biblical?
Another Church dug out around 900 A.D
A magnificent view from one of the monastic churches at the surrounding landscape.
Turkeys in Turkey!
Monks during the 9th century all the way until the 12th century would escape to Cappadocia into these rock churches to pursue an ascetic lifestyle. To show their appreciation to God they would paint stories of Jesus and of the apostles on the walls to make their churches look more beautiful. This particular painting style is known as Imperial city painting. There is also a more primitive style.
Two camels by the shops!
Hot air balloons so close you could touch them!
After the master potter spun his piece they wanted me to attempt on a Kick wheel, not something an electric wheel. Cappadocia is known for amazing pottery and handwoven rugs. The pottery sales for up to $20000 and the rugs go up to over $100000!
This is what I made; he made the piece that is surrounding mine.
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