Journey One / Chapter 7

Central Anatolia

Travels through central and eastern parts of Turkey, including amazing region of Cappadocia, the canyon in Zelve valley, and cities and towns on Turkey's Black Sea coast.

My first stop in cental Turkey is area of Cappadocia, a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and human dwellings set inside of these chimneys, or under ground. I explore several valleys including Goreme valley, Love Valley and Zelve valley, all featuring dwellings set into stone and inhabited for many centuries until recently. AFter exploring 2 additional underground cities I set of to valley of Ihlara, set in a deep canyon.

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After cappadocia I head towards the Black sea coast of Turkey, passing through beautiful mountain town of Amasya. Just before leaving the turkey I pay a visit to ancient Sumela monastery, that is build into a rock face and survived for many centuries.

Cappadocia.

Hot air baloons rising above Goreme by sunrise.

Cappadocia.

Hot air baloon rising above Goreme by sunrise.

Cappadocia.

Goreme in the morning.

Cappadocia.

Love Valley.

Cappadocia.

Love Valley.

Cappadocia.

Zelve Valley.

Cappadocia.

Stone pillars by the Zelve Valley.

Cappadocia.

Police office inside of natural stone pillar.

Cappadocia.

Zelve Valley.

Cappadocia.

Rock houses in Zelve Valley. These and many others in the area have been continuosly inhabited from middle ages until the middle of the last century.

Cappadocia.

Mosque inside a stone village in Zelve Valley. One of few masoned dwellings in the area.

Cappadocia.

Ruins of Zelve Valley dwellings.

Cappadocia.

Goreme churck in stone.

Cappadocia.

One of many goreme churches set in stone.

Cappadocia.

Goreme cave dwellings.

Cappadocia.

Love valley.

Derinkuyu.

Underground city.

Derinkuyu.

Underground city.

Derinkuyu.

Stone doors used to seal underground city in the time of need.

Derinkuyu.

Underground city.

Derinkuyu.

Local shop.

Ihlara Valley.

Entrance to the Valley.

Ihlara Valley.

One of many churches set in stone.

Ihlara Valley.

From the bottom of the canyon.

Ihlara Valley.

Ihlara valley is a canyon, on both sides of which there are many cave dwellings and churches.

Ihlara Valley.

The overview of the vally from Belisirma.

Amasya.

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Amasya.

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Samsun.

Model of a ship and key figures in Ataturk's coming to Samsun, a key event in Turkish War of Liberation. (And also nationalistic propaganda).

Sumela Monastery.

A greek orthodox monastery from 4th century survived and thrived for ages build into a face of mountain.

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