Derinkuyu underground city in Turkey

There are many underground cities in Cappadocia. One of the largest and well-studied is Derinkuyu. It holds many mysteries that scientists have yet to unravel. And visitors have the opportunity to see this amazing structure in person, walking through safe, well-studied areas with a guide.

Secrets of the underground city of Derinkuyu

There are few exact recorded facts about the village. Much more remains in the realm of riddles and hypotheses.

So, it is confirmed by archaeological finds that:

• Derinkuyu was formed by the Hittites 2 BC;
• the name translates as "deep well";
• about 50 thousand inhabitants lived in it;
• one of the longest corridors is almost 10 km long;
• there are 52 ventilation shafts;
• in the lower halls one can breathe easily in any weather even when the central entrances are closed;
• the number of secret passages leading to the surface approaches 600.

At the same time, the number of questions as you study the underground city of Derinkuyu in Turkey only multiplies. So, the main purpose of the construction of this settlement is still not clear. There is no answer to how, in the absence of powerful construction equipment, people managed to build such an extensive network in the rock. And also why, in case of a possible danger from the inside, the entrances were easily closed by huge boulders, and it was impossible to push them away from the outside. Causes interest and plaque of secondary minerals in some rooms. It is not yet possible to determine the exact cause of their appearance.

According to numerous hypotheses, the underground city of Derinkuyu was built to hide from external threats. This is how it was used by Christian families hiding there from the persecution of the Romans, robber bands and lovers of easy money. For comfort and long life, there are created: a lighting and ventilation system, water drainage and collection, living rooms and rooms of an impressive area for general meetings.

Regarding the way of life of the inhabitants of the city, the opinions of scientists were divided. There is a hypothesis that it was the permanent place of residence of people, and they rose to the surface only on urgent matters. With equal probability, it could have been a temporary shelter, where they gathered in case of an external threat. Numerous moves to the surface speak in favor of this. Residents could leave the winding corridors of their shelter at any time.

Some of the corridors ended in traps or dead ends.

Another fact indicates that the city was essentially an underground fortress. If necessary, the lower floors were completely cut off from the upper ones, each entrance was blocked by a stone wheel, providing residents with safety.

Derinkuyu layout

Thanks to a special system of ventilation shafts, a constant temperature of + 13-15 ° C was maintained, it is easy to breathe, there is no smell of mold and mustiness, the walls and floor are dry. The upper tiers housed churches, study rooms, and places to store supplies. Scientists have determined that bakeries worked in the city, and separate segments were allocated for living quarters, barns and cattle pens.

Next up were the wine cellars. Then came the weapons workshops, warehouses and guard rooms. Residents gathered in a huge underground hall with a high vault, decisions important for everyone were made by voting and discussion.

It was possible to create such a city due to the special properties of the rocks in Cappadocia. They consist of tuff rocks, easy to work, but quite resistant to the influence of time, because when exposed to air they acquire increased hardness and really “stone”.

History of Derinkuyu

Until the 8th century, the city lived a busy life, was full of residents and events. Later, the need for such protection disappeared, gradually the premises turned out to be unnecessary and abandoned. People preferred more comfortable living conditions on the surface. Over time, many of Derinkuyu's secrets and its very location were forgotten and almost lost.

Its rediscovery took place in 1963. Residents of nearby villages used spacious dry rooms as warehouses until scientists became interested in them. As soon as the historical value of the find was established, it was given the status of a monument.

Legends

Based on the structure of the city of Derinkuyu, scientists have hypothesized that it was planned to protect against air attacks and the possibility of a long life in autonomy from the outside world. The villagers have a legend about the battles of angels and demons that they waged in the sky. They allegedly stopped after the construction of the city, where representatives of one of the parties took refuge.

It is said that in the side branches of the corridors, reflections of light from unknown sources are still visible.

Excursions to the underground city of Derinkuyu

Only 10% of the settlement has been studied, but even this is enough to feel the unique atmosphere, put yourself in the place of the first Christians and admire the skill of those who managed to build this amazing city. It goes down about 8 levels, reaching a mark of 60 m. No one knows what awaits the researchers next. There are safe routes for tourists. All side branches and corridors are covered with bars.

The entrance to the underground city is located in a rural house in the village of the same name. It is worth considering that many transitions are inconvenient for moving, as long as the height of the arch there is below 170 cm.

Exciting excursions are held in the museum complex. There are no children's and reduced tickets, so the price of the tour is considered one of the highest for a family visit. Nevertheless, the impressions received are well worth the spent 60 lire. A more economical option is to purchase a museum card that is valid for 3 days and provides preferential terms for excursions to 10 museums.

In addition, you can book participation in the "Green Tour" in Cappadocia. His program includes trips to both underground cities, Derinkuyu and Kaimakli, visits to underground churches and other attractions.

The guide's stories will make the trip unforgettable and allow you to learn many interesting facts, stories, legends and hypotheses about architectural and historical monuments.

Visiting tips

The underground city of Derinkuyu naturally maintains a fairly cool atmosphere, you should bring warm clothes or a windbreaker with you. Also a feature are the low vaults in some rooms, provoking bouts of claustrophobia. Despite the lighting system, twilight reigns inside. If you plan to consider some details, then it is advisable to take a flashlight with you, this is allowed.

It is very important to follow the safety rules, and if the passages are not marked on the route, then you cannot go there, since the city was built as a labyrinth. That is why you should not be surprised that the exit will be a little away from the entrance.

How to get to Derinkuyu?

The most comfortable option is as part of a tour of the Ihlara Valley. In this case, the organization of the trip and planning the time of the visit falls on the tour operator. But you can not dream of freedom of movement, everything will be strictly regulated.

Derinkuyu on the map of Turkey

When traveling on your own, you need to get to the Derinkuyu settlement and follow the signs. You can rent a car or call a taxi.

Please note that ticket sales end 30 minutes before the museum complex closes. The work schedule in the summer season is 08.00-19.00, from November the time is reduced by 2 hours.

Video review of Derinkuyu