Take to the skies: Cappadocia

If you’ve ever wanted to go far back in time, perhaps even living like a caveman or woman but with a few modern luxuries, Turkey’s Cappadocia region is ideal. It’s famous for its natural anthill- and mushroom-shaped towers called fairy chimneys, formed 60 million years ago by erosion of ash and lava, the wind, and rain. It also boasts full cave cities that were home to ancient settlers. For centuries now, people have dug into the firm but soft volcaniclastic rock to construct dwellings, churches, monasteries, and underground cities.

Human settlement dates back to the Paleolithic era here, with the region ruled by the Hittites, Eastern Mushki, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Seljuks, Ottomans, and the Republic of Turkey. In the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great defeated the Persians, but in Cappadocia, there was much resistance. The Kingdom of Cappadocia was established during this time with Roman power taking control by the late 3rd-century BD. By the mid-1st-century BC, the Kings of Cappadocia were appointed, but Roman generals toppled them from the throne. In 17 AD, the last king of Cappadocia died and the region became a Roman province.

These lands where Hittites once lived have served as one of the world’s most important centers of Christianity. The name Cappadocia is believed to have been derived from Katpatuka, translating to the land of beautiful horses in the Hittite language. The deep valleys and shelters carved out of the soft volcanic rock helped to protect them against invasion by the soldiers, with the churches and homes that were created transforming the area into a vast haven for Christians who were fleeing from the Roman Empire’s control.

The Cappadocian Fathers, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Basil the Great, all played key roles in the development of Christian theology in the 4th century. They also founded the monastic communities that went on to survive for hundreds of years. Others persecuted for religious beliefs sought refuge in Cappadocia too, resulting in a melting pot of various ethnic groups that have influenced the culture.

Islam arrived with the Seljuks and continued under the Ottomans, with both groups building madrasas and mosques, many of which still stand today. The area has hosted trade colonies throughout history, with Turkey serving as a bridge between the east and west along the Silk Road. Cappadocia was one of the most important junctions and the Seljuk Turks ensured that the trade route roads were fortified, building hundreds of caravanserais to encourage trade. The stretch between Konya and Cappadocia, now a paved highway, is the most prominent. One can still see the old Seljuk caravanserais, including the Sultan Han that’s been beautifully restored.

The provincial capital of Nevsehir was first famous as Nyssa. It fell off the map, becoming just a small village until the early 18th century when money was poured into the region by Damat Ibrahim Pasha who became the Grand Vezir to the sultan. It was transformed into a “new city,” thus the name, with the hammam and mosque complex he built still used today.

For this Unforgettable journey, we take to the skies of Cappadocia for the ionic hot air balloon experience.