World Tour Series: Turkey - Cappadocia Green Line
Photos 1-7, Selime Monastery in Selime, Cappadocia, Turkey, is an ancient monastery located in a large rock area formed by weathered volcanic rock. This monastery is carved into the rock and consists of a church, kitchen, dining hall, and living quarters. Its interior walls feature many ancient Christian frescoes. Selime Monastery is a window into early Christian history.
Photos 8, Star Wars filming location: The unique landscape of Cappadocia inspired the producers of the Star Wars series. Although the actual filming did not take place here, the scenery resembles certain scenes from the movies, leading to occasional misconceptions that it was a filming location.
Photos 9-10, Derinkuyu Underground City,
In the Cappadocia region, several underground cities were excavated in the soft rock, the most famous being Derinkuyu and Kaymakli underground cities. These cities were used for living, hiding, and defense.
In the 4th century AD, Cappadocia became an important center for early Christianity. Christians here, facing persecution from the Roman Empire, dug underground cities and cave churches to escape persecution.
From the 7th to 11th centuries, Cappadocia was often a frontline in conflicts between the Byzantine Empire and the Arab Empire. During this period, the underground cities again provided refuge for local residents.
In the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks invaded Anatolia, and the Byzantine Empire gradually lost control of Cappadocia. During this time, many Christians left, and Turkish Muslims settled in the area.
Photo 11, Ihlara Valley, where you can hike along the valley floor.
Photos 12-13, Uchisar Castle, located in Cappadocia, Turkey, is a historic natural fortress made from a volcanic rock about 60 meters high, resembling a piece of modernist art.
The castle dates back to around 350 BC and was originally used as a natural fortress and watchtower, further developed during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Early settlers hollowed out the rock to form interconnected cave communities used for shelter, storage, and defense against enemies.
Photo 14, Pigeon Valley is named for the numerous pigeon holes carved into the rocks on both sides of the valley. These pigeon holes vary in size and shape, some even two stories high, comparable to ancient cave houses. Pigeons play an important role in the Cappadocia region, serving not only as messengers but also providing ample fertilizer for locals. At dusk, flocks of pigeons return to their nests, creating a spectacular scene and a unique feature of Pigeon Valley.