Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia: How They Formed, Where to See Them and What to Do
Fairy chimneys are a natural rock formation found in only a handful of places in the world, and Turkey's examples, inside Göreme Historical National Park, are among the best known. Spread over a wide area in and around Nevşehir, the tuff pillars draw visitors from Turkey and abroad, as do the cave dwellings carved into them and the hot air balloons that rise over the valleys in the morning. Here is how the landscape came to be and what to see when you get there.
The fairy chimneys were shaped as rivers, lakes and wind wore down layers of volcanic tuff.
How the Fairy Chimneys Formed
Fairy chimneys exist elsewhere in the world too. What makes Cappadocia's so well known is how wide an area they cover.
The story begins millions of years ago with volcanic eruptions. Material thrown out by the volcanoes settled over plateaus, lakes and streams and hardened into a layer of tuff. Over time rivers, the Kızılırmak first among them, along with lakes and wind, wore that layer down into the shapes seen today.
The chimneys around Paşabağı are considered the most distinctive examples. Across the region they come in conical, capped, mushroom-shaped, columnar and pointed forms.
The soft rock also made it easy for people to dig. In ancient times the formations were used as lookouts and shelters, and as Christianity spread, churches were carved into them. The rock-cut dwellings served as a refuge for Christians fleeing Roman persecution, and underground cities such as Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, Mazı and Özkonak later sheltered people during Arab raids.
Where They Are and How to Get There
The fairy chimneys are spread across Cappadocia, in Nevşehir Province. Nevşehir's airport receives flights from certain Turkish cities, and if you cannot find a direct flight, the airport in Kayseri is an alternative. Nevşehir can also be reached by road from all over Turkey. From the city center you can continue by public transport, rental car or your own vehicle.
One well-known viewing point is marked on Google Maps, but the formations cover such a large area that there are many other places to see them.
A balloon flight, a valley walk and a visit to an underground city are the classic things to do.
Things to Do
Tour the underground cities.
Go for walks in the valleys.
Take a hot air balloon flight.
Visit the museums.
Watch the historical and natural scenery from the hilltops.
Join an ATV tour.
Underground Cities to See
Derinkuyu Underground City
Özkonak Underground City
Mazı Underground City
Kaymaklı Underground City
Tatlarin Underground City
What to Eat
Local dishes worth trying include testi kebabı (meat cooked in a sealed clay pot), noodles with pumpkin seeds, stuffed vine leaves, Ürgüp köfte, Kayseri and Nevşehir mantı, düğü soup, chickpea stew, stuffed quince and zerde, a saffron rice dessert.
The main sights are spread among Avanos, Çavuşin, Ürgüp, Göreme, Uçhisar and Ortahisar.
Devrent Valley
Devrent Valley in Avanos has been used as a filming location for many TV series and appears in much of Cappadocia's promotional imagery. Its fairy chimneys are known for resembling animals and other objects.
Monks Valley
Also known as Paşabağı, this valley in Çavuşin is said to have been home to people who chose a secluded life in the Byzantine period.
Love Valley
Love Valley near Göreme is a popular place for marriage proposals. Its viewing terrace, known as Lovers' Hill, offers some of the best views in Cappadocia.
Uçhisar Castle
Uçhisar Castle, the tallest fairy chimney in the area, can be seen from all around the region. It is worth the climb, and you can also watch the balloon flights from here.
Three Beauties
The three fairy chimneys known as Üç Güzeller near Ürgüp have become a symbol of Cappadocia and form the backdrop of countless visitor photos.
Keşfet ile ziyaret ettiğin tüm kategorileri tek akışta gör!
Test
Gündem
Magazin
Video
Send Comment