Discovering Kaymakli Underground City
Are you familiar with Kaymakli, one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Cappadocia?
This underground city is one of the largest and most intricate in the region, constructed by early Christian communities following the Phrygians around the 8th and 7th centuries BC. It served as a refuge against invasions, disasters, and attacks, and was also used to protect livestock and store water and food. Carved deep into the soft volcanic rock, Kaymakli extends down eight levels, reaching a depth of 85 meters, though only four levels are currently accessible to the public. If you are going to visit Cappadocia you have lots of things to do in Cappadocia, also you can get information of us in TripFloric to book Hotels near Cappadocia and Rent Daily apartment near Cappadocia. Otherwise if you would like to have more services with TripFloric we can offer you Transfer to Kaymakli.
When visiting Cappadocia, make sure to explore Kaymakli. It offers an unforgettable journey back to ancient times.
Architectural Marvel of Kaymakli Underground City
The architecture of Kaymakli Underground City is a marvel of engineering and design. The city, carved into the soft volcanic rock, extends down to a depth of 85 meters with eight levels, though only four are open to visitors. Designed as a refuge, its architecture includes a complex ventilation system that supplies air through vertical shafts and an intricate sewage system that directs waste outside the city.
The city is designed to provide ample space for living and daily activities, featuring bedrooms, kitchens, storage rooms, stables, churches, and other essential areas. Here are some key architectural features:
1. Use of Soft Volcanic Rock: The soft volcanic rock allowed builders to create extensive tunnels and large rooms with simple tools.
2. Complex Ventilation System: The ventilation system supplies air through vertical shafts, ensuring natural airflow.
These features highlight the ingenuity and practicality of the city's design, making it a functional living space.
Complex Sewage System
Kaymakli's sewage system channels waste outside the city through specialized tunnels, preventing the spread of unpleasant odors and diseases.
Design of Various Spaces
The city includes diverse spaces for living, daily activities, and worship, ensuring a functional and organized living environment.
Floors of Kaymakli Underground City
Floor 1: Used as a stable, with large tunnels and over 100 stables.
Floor 2: Served as living quarters, including bedrooms, kitchens, storage rooms, and a church with religious decorations, featuring over 200 rooms.
Floor 3: Contains important areas like a large meeting hall for up to 500 people and a complex ventilation system.
Floor 4: Used for storing water and food, with water tanks and storage areas for long-term supplies.
Floors 5 to 8: Not fully explored, but believed to have been used for living quarters and storage.
Kaymakli is a remarkable testament to the region's history and culture, showcasing how ancient people ingeniously utilized their environment.
Facilities of Kaymakli Underground City
Kaymakli was equipped with essential facilities for underground living, including:
Bedrooms: Small and simple, with stone or wooden beds and small wardrobes.
Kitchens: Located near bedrooms, equipped with stone or wooden stoves, storage shelves, and worktables.
Storage Rooms: Used to store food, water, and necessities, typically situated near kitchens.
Stables: Found on the first level to house animals.
Churches: Used for worship, featuring religious decorations.
Ventilation Tunnels: Crucial for air circulation, preventing suffocation.
The city's builders also demonstrated skill and innovation through features like:
- Complex Sewage System: Waste was channeled outside the city through specialized tunnels.
- Water Supply System: Water was supplied through reservoirs, ensuring a reliable source.
These facilities highlight the ingenuity and practical design that enabled a functional underground living environment.
Dos and Don'ts for Visiting Kaymakli Underground City
Dos:
- Wear Suitable Shoes: Comfortable, non-slip shoes are essential.
- Dress Warmly: Lower levels can be quite cold.
- Bring Drinking Water: You may not find water available during your visit.
Don'ts:
- Enter the Tunnels Without a Flashlight: Tunnels are dark and need a flashlight for visibility.
- Use the Tunnels as Toilets: This causes environmental damage.
- Damage the Walls and Ceilings: The site is a valuable cultural heritage and must be protected.
- Visit During Hot Weather Without Timing Considerations: Visit early morning or late afternoon during hot seasons to avoid crowds and heat.
- Ignore Health Concerns: Consult your doctor if you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, as underground air can be harmful.
By following these tips, you can enjoy an unforgettable visit to the Kaymakli Underground City and it is good to know when you have a plan to visit to Turkey, you have many things to do in
Turkey.
