Cappadocia lies in in the heartland of what is now Turkey. Fairy Chimney rock formations are scattered all around the town of Göreme. Though still cold, pink blossoms were bursting open in some trees while most trees were barren. The time that the Göreme was first settled is unclear, but it could date back as the Hittite era,
between 1800 and 1200 B.C. The location was central between rivaling
empires, such as the Greeks and Persians, leading the natives to tunnel
into the rock to escape the political turmoil. Christianity prevailed as the primary religion in the region, which is
evident from many rock churches that can still be seen today.
After the sketch was done, I met Terry to tour the inner carved rooms, halls and churches. Signs help tourists on the in self guided tours. I can’t imagine that living in these stone caves could have been comfortable. It must have been drafty and cold in the winter. Our hotel room was carved into the rock as well. A large bathroom was the primary room carved out and there was a honeycomb of notches carved into the walls which made for convenient storage for towels and clothing. With modern electricity and plumbing cave living can be quite luxurious.