The Cappadocia area is located in the center of the Anatolian Region of Turkey. It has become a major tourist attraction due to its valleys, canyons, hills and unusual rock formations created as a result of the eroding rains and winds of thousands of years of a level, lava-covered plain. Its troglodyte dwellings and churches carved out of the rock and cities dug out underground are like something from another world.
The lava plain was formed by the eruptions of the surrounding mountains which were active volcanoes in geological times, the eruptions lasting until 2 million years ago. A soft tuff layer was formed, 150 m in thickness, by the issuing lavas in the valley surrounded by mountains. The rivers, flood water running down the hillsides and strong winds eroded the geological formations consisting of tuff creating bizarre shapes called Fairy Chimneys. These take on the names of mushroom shaped, pinnacled, capped and conic shaped formations.
The so-called underground cities are more refuges to be used in times of danger rather than a permanent place of residence. Whatever their purpose they are certainly a most impressive and interesting creation. The rock hewn churches in the Göreme open air museum are in some ways reminiscent of the churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia. An early morning balloon trip which gives spectacular views of the sunrise over the fairy chimneys is very popular at Cappadocia. There was an unfortunate accident in 2103 which may have dampened the enthusiasm for these trips.