Cappadocia’s history is as extraordinary as its landscape. Carved by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years, its unique rock formations became home to early civilizations seeking shelter and safety. As early as the Hittite Empire (around 1800 BCE), Cappadocia was a strategic region due to its location along trade routes like the Silk Road.

In the early Christian era, persecuted communities found refuge here, carving out churches, monasteries, and entire underground cities—like Derinkuyu and Kaymakli—to live and worship in secret. The soft volcanic rock made it possible to create elaborate cave systems that remain well-preserved today.

Throughout centuries, Cappadocia was shaped by Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman influences, each leaving their mark on its architecture and culture. Visiting Cappadocia is like walking through a living museum—where ancient faith, resilience, and artistry are etched into the stone itself.