CAPPADOCIA
1
The
region of the central Anatolia which is called Cappadocia was surrounded by
Galatia (Ankara) and Lykaonia (Konya)
to the west, Armenia to the east, Pontus to the north and Kilikia to the
south. It shows a spectacular and surprisingly different landscape with its
wind and water eroded volcanic tuff based soil. There are thousands of
natural, pyramid shaped rock formations and cave-like settlement places
carved by humans since the early ages throughout the region.
Cappadocia
is located approximately 50km. to the south of Mount Erciyes
(Argaeus), a former volcano. The violent eruptions of Erciyes
covered whole area with a thick layer of volcanic ash. During the following
ages this hardened tuff created a bizarre landscape by the strong influence
of the wind and water erosion. Some of these chimney-like rock formations
were dug-in as home or sometimes a church by the local people.
They used
to speak a different language than their neighbors. Famous geographer and
historian Strabon mentioned about these people in his book
"Geographica" with their separate culture and language. This
fertile country was occupied by its stronger neighbors throughout the ages.
Persians, Macedonians and Romans were among the rulers of the land and its
people in different times.
During
the early periods of Christianity, the first followers of Jesus and his
apostles settled in the area to hide from the soldiers of Roman Empire. It
is known that St.Paul was looking for a secure place after expelled from
Jerusalem. He came to Cappadocia and established the first Christian colony
in this region with his followers.
According
to Herodotus, the people of Cappadocia were called Syrians by their
neighbors in Anatolia. The name Cappadocian was first used by Persians. They
called the land Cappadocia and the people living on it Cappadocian.
Cappadocia
was known to be a wealthy country with its fertile land and trade links with
the neighbors. The first kingdom of Anatolia was founded in this region by
the Hattis, 2000 years before Christ. There are various ruins in this area
remained from the Hatti kingdom period.
Finally,
this important region of Anatolia was conquered and ruled by the Seljuks and
Ottomans.
Goreme
Churches Around Goreme
Map of Cappadocia
Valley of Ihlara
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