In the heart of Turkey’s central region, Cappadocia, peculiar chimney-like formations dot the eroded landscape, hinting at a vast underground city concealed beneath the dry earth.
A Legacy Carved in Stone
For centuries, the people of the Anatolian plateau have harnessed the soft volcanic rock of the area to build homes, churches, and entire villages. These constructions, reminiscent of Tolkien’s fantastical worlds, ignite the imaginations of those who visit. The architectural marvels above ground captivate tourists, who explore the region on foot or soar above it in hot air balloons. However, few realize that beneath their feet lies an extensive subterranean city, with vast chambers and tunnels extending for miles.
The Enigmatic Underground City
The underground city of Cappadocia continues to fascinate archaeologists and historians. Its origins and purposes remain largely unknown, adding to its allure. The soft volcanic rock, known as tuff, allowed ancient inhabitants to carve intricate underground structures. These provided refuge from invasions and harsh climates.
This underground metropolis, believed to have housed thousands, features complex ventilation systems, storage areas, and places of worship. Exploring this hidden city offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of ancient cultures, highlighting remarkable engineering feats.
Discovering Derinkuyu
The ancient underground city, originally known as Elengubu, is now referred to as Derinkuyu, named after the region above it in Nevsehir province. Derinkuyu’s rediscovery in 1963 was accidental, occurring during a house renovation. A Turkish man, while expanding his home, broke through a wall to find a deep tunnel, leading to rapid excavation. This tunnel was one of approximately 600 entrances to Derinkuyu.
Spanning about 275 square miles and reaching a depth of approximately 279 feet with 18 levels, Derinkuyu once sheltered around 20,000 residents. It was a self-sufficient city with livestock pens, oil and wine presses, wine cellars, churches, schools, and water wells, providing a safe haven during times of invasion or occupation.
A History Shrouded in Mystery
Derinkuyu’s creation and long-term occupation remain subjects of speculation. Evidence of cave dwellings in Cappadocia dates back to the late Stone Age. The Hittites of Anatolia may have begun excavating the initial levels around the 15th century BCE, with artifacts supporting this theory. The Phrygians, renowned for their stone-carving skills, likely expanded the city’s infrastructure around 1200 BCE. Subsequent rulers, including the Persians and Seljuks, may have further developed it. During the Byzantine period, Cappadocian Christians expanded Derinkuyu while seeking refuge from Arab Muslim persecution.
Ingenious Design and Self-Sufficiency
Derinkuyu’s intricate design allowed it to support its inhabitants independently. Storage areas for dried food and livestock pens were located on upper levels, reducing odors and toxins. A 180-foot deep well provided ventilation and clean water, easily sealed to prevent contamination. Over 50 ventilation shafts supplied fresh air, while passageways, illuminated by torches and lamps, featured handrails and footholds for easier movement.
Defensive structures included heavy stone doors at each level’s entrance, which could be rolled shut to block invaders. Narrow passageways forced invaders to move single file, giving defenders a strategic advantage. Educational and religious spaces included a cathedral and classrooms on the second level, and a cross-shaped church on the fifth level.
A Network of Underground Cities
Derinkuyu is not Cappadocia’s only underground city. The region boasts over 200, with 40 having three or more levels. A five-mile tunnel connects Derinkuyu to the nearby underground city of Kaymakli, suggesting a network of interconnected cities for safe travel.
Rediscovery and Public Access
Derinkuyu was abandoned in the early 20th century, but Greek inhabitants used it as a refuge until 1923. Rediscovered in 1963 and opened to the public in 1969, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Today, visitors can explore eight levels of this ancient city for a fee, with guides recommended for an informative experience.
The original article “Man Stumbles Upon Vast Underground City Behind Wall During Home Reno—And Tunnels Go on Forever” was published by Epoch Times.
