Cappadocia, in central Turkey—once Katpatuka, “the land of beautiful horses”—is a place where nature and history entwine. Its name, adopted by the Greeks as Cappadocia (Turkish: Kapadokya, Ancient Greek: Καππαδοκία), echoes through time.

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites reveal a landscape sculpted by wind and rain: soft volcanic rock rising as whimsical fairy chimneys, pinnacles, and valleys. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its geological marvels and the endurance of human life.

From the 4th century, Christian communities carved churches, chapels, and monasteries into the stone, their vivid Byzantine frescoes still glowing at the Göreme Open-Air Museum. Underground, cities like Derinkuyu and Kaymakli reveal vast labyrinths where people once hid from invaders.
Today, visitors wander ancient sanctuaries, hike rose-hued valleys, and rest in cave hotels where tradition meets comfort.



Spring and autumn bring mild weather and bursts of color. At sunrise, hot air balloons drift above—though not at the time this photo was taken, which was captured from a high point within the park—offering breathtaking views over this land where artistry and resilience endure.