Cappadocia and Afyon, Turkey

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey, interesting for its unusual landscapes, underground cities and cave temples. Goreme National Park and the cave settlements of Cappadocia are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, most of the sights are located here . In a narrow sense, Cappadocia is understood precisely as the territory of the Goreme National Park; this guide covers the wider region from Kayseri in the east to Nevsehir and Aksaray in the west. Here you will see fantastic remnant rocks, early Christian churches, and cave houses still used for their intended purpose. However, a trip to Cappadocia would not be complete without a trip outside the national park: the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli and the canyon of the Ihlara Valley are located in the southwestern part of the region.

Cities:

Kayseri is the capital of the il, that is, the regional center. Thanks to the international airport, Kayseri is the main air gateway of the region. Usually it is considered only as a transit point, although the city itself has a long history and some originality.

Nevsehir is the center of the silt and the owner of the second airport in terms of passenger traffic in the region. For most of its history, Nevsehir was a tiny village, and nothing historical has been preserved here. However, the city stands at the intersection of all major roads in the region, and one way or another, you will not be able to pass transit through Nevsehir..

Göreme is a small village, conveniently located in the very center of the national park and surrounded by “space” landscapes characteristic of Cappadocia. If you are going to Cappadocia and do not know where to stay, choose Göreme: there is inexpensive housing, a developed tourism industry and the main attraction of the region is a rocky monastery complex with preserved frescoes.

Avanos is a small town on the banks of the Kyzylyrmak, the largest river in Central Anatolia. There are no rocky settlements in Avanos, but there is a promenade, pleasant urban development of the turn of the 19th-20th centuries and many pottery workshops where you can buy ceramics inexpensively and look at the process of its manufacture.

Guzelyurt is a small cozy village away from major highways and tourist routes. Greek architecture, great views and low prices make Guzelyurt a convenient base from which to visit the nearby Ihlara Valley.

Aksaray is the center of the silt on the western border of the region. There are no major attractions here, but you will inevitably end up in Aksaray if you are traveling to Cappadocia from the Mediterranean coast.

Afyon – thermal resort

Afyon – a small resort town located at the base of a huge rock in the central part of Western Anatolia. At the top of the slope rises the ancient fortress of Karahisar, which means “Black Fortress” in translation. Afyon, although located at some distance from major cities, is quite well known both in Turkey, as well as beyond. Thanks to two of his chips. Firstly, the archaic way of life, unhurriedly flowing surrounded by authentic quarters of the Ottoman era. Secondly, in the vicinity of Afyon there are several thermal springs around which large balneological resorts are built. So, you can “shoot two birds with one stone” – get acquainted with the real, everyday way of life of ordinary Turks and along the way improve your health “on the waters”, while receiving a far from provincial level of service. Contributes to the popularity of the city and its relatively convenient location in close proximity to Ankara and Antalya. The name of the city was not chosen by chance. “Afyon” is translated from Turkish as “opium”, and in the vicinity of the settlement there is a huge number of poppy fields.

Of the sights of the city, it should be noted the oldest mosque – Ulu-Kamyi, the two-domed Mevlevi-Kamyi and the ceremonial hall adjacent to it, now the museum of the Mevlevi Dervish Order is located here. The local madrasah, hammam, Gedik-Ahmet Pasha Park and the small Zafer Museum, dedicated to Kemal Ataturk’s stay in the city, are also interesting for inspection.A kilometer from the city center is the Archaeological Museum, the collection of which contains historical objects found on the territory of the city and its environs. In his garden, a rather large exposition of marble sculptures is exhibited. There are many interesting historical monuments around the city: monumental bas-reliefs of the Phrygian period, ancient caves, the Sarychaiyr necropolis, the ruins of Byzantine monasteries and churches, as well as the ancient city of Metropolis, on the territory of which excavations are underway. You can also visit the fortresses of Kyrkinler and Seidilil, the remains of the ancient cities of Sinnad, Apameya, Dokimeyum and the Hittite Amorium. Not far from Afyon is the so-called Turkish country of lakes. There are both fresh (Egridir, Burdur, Sugla) and salty lakes (Adzhi, Akshehir). Some of them are surrounded by picturesque rocks and cliffs. The resort is also famous for its hot springs Termal-Orucoglu. Water from them contains fluorine, bromine, calcium salts. It is considered healing and is sold throughout the country. Three years ago, Afyon was declared the “thermal capital” of Turkey by the government. Here is located a third of all thermal hotels in the country, which are known for their affordable prices. Modern Afyon is famous for its sausages, so while relaxing here, be sure to try local delicacies – sujuk sausage and sweet lokum.