G Turkiye

Author: Tn

  • Cehennem (Hell) Pit Cave, Mersin

    Located in Mersin Province (historically İçel), southern Turkey, the Cehennem (Hell) Pit Cave is one of the most striking geological formations in the region. Situated approximately 63 km southwest of Mersin city center and about 22 km from Silifke, the pit lies only a short distance—around 75 meters east—from its famous counterpart, the Cennet (Paradise) Pit.

    Together, these two natural sinkholes form one of Turkey’s most fascinating karst landscapes, attracting geologists, nature lovers, and curious travelers alike.

    Geological Formation and Structure

    The Cehennem Pit was formed through a long and complex geological process that dates back to the Miocene period. It developed when an underground watercourse gradually eroded the surrounding limestone layers, weakening the structure above.

    Over time, the ceiling of a large subterranean cavity collapsed, creating a dramatic vertical shaft. Unlike typical caves formed by gradual hollowing, Cehennem Pit is the result of a sudden structural failure of the earth’s surface.

    The pit has an elliptical shape, measuring approximately 50 × 75 meters, and is notably steeper and more enclosed compared to the nearby Cennet Pit.

    Interior Characteristics

    Inside the pit, massive debris from the collapsed ceiling has accumulated at the base. This debris slopes downward from west to east at an approximate angle of 30 degrees, giving the interior a rugged and uneven appearance.

    The steep walls and deep vertical drop create a dramatic and somewhat intimidating atmosphere—one that explains the symbolic name “Cehennem,” meaning Hell in Turkish.

    Relationship with Cennet (Paradise) Pit

    Cehennem Pit is part of a dual natural formation system together with the nearby Cennet (Paradise) Pit. Both sinkholes were formed by the collapse of the roof of the same underground karst system.

    While Cehennem Pit is deep, steep, and inaccessible to visitors at its base, Cennet Pit is more open and allows partial descent via stairs leading to a large cave chamber.

    This contrast between the two formations inspired their names:

    • Cennet (Paradise) – open, green, and more accessible
    • Cehennem (Hell) – deep, dark, and steep

    Together, they represent a powerful natural metaphor and are among the most visited geological attractions in the Mersin region.

    Visitor Experience

    Although access to the bottom of Cehennem Pit is restricted due to its steep walls, visitors can view the formation from designated platforms above. The site is typically visited together with Cennet Pit, making it a popular half-day excursion from Silifke or Mersin.

    The surrounding landscape, with its Mediterranean vegetation and limestone formations, adds to the dramatic visual impact of the site.

    A Natural Contrast of Heaven and Hell

    The Cehennem Pit Cave is more than just a geological formation—it is part of a symbolic natural pair that reflects both the power and unpredictability of nature.

    Standing beside the nearby Cennet Pit, it offers one of the most unique landscape contrasts in Turkey: paradise and hell side by side, shaped by the same ancient underground forces.

  • Kaymakli Underground City – one of the largest underground settlements in the region

    Kaymakli Underground City – one of the largest underground settlements in the region

    Kaymakli Underground City is one of the largest and most fascinating underground settlements in Cappadocia. Located approximately 20 km south of Nevsehir and near the town of Kaymakli, this extraordinary subterranean city extends deep beneath the volcanic landscape of central Anatolia.

    Carved into soft volcanic tuff rock, Kaymakli served as a refuge for local populations during periods of invasion and religious persecution. Although eight levels have been identified, only four levels are currently open to visitors. The underground city could once accommodate thousands of people along with their livestock, food supplies, and valuables.

    History

    The earliest sections of Kaymaklı are believed to date back to the Hittite period, although the city was significantly expanded during the Byzantine era between the 6th and 10th centuries.

    Early Christians used the underground complex as a secure refuge from Arab raids and other threats. The interconnected chambers, tunnels, storage rooms, churches, ventilation shafts, and defensive systems allowed entire communities to survive underground for extended periods.

    Kaymakli is connected through a network of tunnels to other underground settlements in Cappadocia, illustrating the sophisticated defensive strategies developed by the region’s inhabitants.

    What to See

    Ventilation Shafts

    One of the engineering marvels of Kaymaklı is its extensive ventilation system. Deep vertical shafts provided fresh air to the underground levels and also served as water wells.

    Living Quarters

    Visitors can explore rooms that once served as homes, kitchens, communal areas, and workshops.

    Storage Rooms

    Large chambers were used to store grain, wine, oil, and other provisions, enabling residents to remain underground for months if necessary.

    Wine Cellars

    Cappadocia has a long wine-making tradition, and Kaymakli contains several underground wine production and storage areas.

    Stables

    Animals were housed in designated chambers near the upper levels, reducing the need for residents to surface frequently.

    Churches and Chapels

    Several religious spaces reveal the importance of Christianity in Cappadocia during the Byzantine period.

    Defensive Stone Doors

    Massive circular stone doors could be rolled into place to seal passages against intruders. These iconic doors remain among the most impressive features of the underground city.

    Things to Do

    • Explore the underground tunnels and chambers.
    • Learn about early Christian history in Cappadocia.
    • Photograph the unique architecture and engineering.
    • Join a guided archaeological tour.
    • Combine your visit with other underground cities.
    • Experience Cappadocia’s cultural heritage firsthand.

    Nearby Attractions

    Derinkuyu Underground City

    The deepest underground city in Cappadocia, descending approximately 85 meters below ground.

    Göreme Open Air Museum

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches and Byzantine frescoes.

    Avanos

    Famous for traditional pottery workshops and its location on the Kızılırmak River.

    Ürgüp

    Known for cave hotels, wineries, and historic architecture.

    Göreme

    The tourism hub of Cappadocia and departure point for hot-air balloon flights.

    Ihlara Valley

    A scenic canyon featuring hiking trails and rock-cut churches.

    Excursions and Tours

    Cappadocia Green Tour

    Typically includes:

    • Kaymakli Underground City
    • Ihlara Valley
    • Selime Monastery
    • Pigeon Valley

    Underground Cities Tour

    A full-day excursion visiting both Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, offering insight into Cappadocia’s remarkable subterranean civilization.

    Hot-Air Balloon Experience

    Many visitors combine an underground city visit with a sunrise balloon flight over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and valleys.

    Food & Drink Nearby

    After exploring underground, visitors can enjoy traditional Cappadocian cuisine in nearby towns.

    Popular local specialties include:

    • Testi Kebabı
    • Mantı
    • Gözleme
    • Lamb dishes
    • Local Cappadocian wines
    • Turkish tea and coffee

    Visitor Information

    Best Time to Visit

    • Spring (April–May): Mild temperatures and beautiful scenery.
    • Autumn (September–October): Pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
    • Summer: Busy tourist season but cool temperatures underground.
    • Winter: Quiet and atmospheric, often with snow-covered landscapes above ground.

    Visit Duration

    Allow approximately 1–2 hours to explore the accessible sections thoroughly.

    What to Bring

    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Light jacket (temperatures underground remain cool)
    • Camera
    • Water

    Accessibility

    Some passages are narrow, steep, and low-ceilinged. Visitors with mobility issues or severe claustrophobia should consider this before entering.

    Why Visit Kaymakli?

    Kaymakli Underground City is one of Cappadocia’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures. It offers a rare opportunity to walk through a vast underground world where thousands of people once lived, worshipped, stored food, and protected themselves from danger. Combined with Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, cave churches, and spectacular landscapes, a visit to Kaymakli provides an unforgettable journey into one of Turkey’s most remarkable historical regions.

  • Koprulu Canyon National Park – a valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna

    Koprulu Canyon National Park – a valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna

    Discover Koprulu Canyon National Park

    Located approximately 92 kilometers northeast of Antalya, Koprulu Canyon National Park is one of Turkey’s most spectacular natural reserves and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Covering more than 360 square kilometers (36,000 hectares), the park is renowned for its dramatic limestone canyon, crystal-clear rivers, ancient Roman bridges, dense Mediterranean forests, and exceptional biodiversity.

    The journey begins near the villages of Taşağıl and Beşkonak, where a scenic mountain road winds through pine and cedar forests, crossing sparkling streams and offering breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. The drive itself is an unforgettable experience, revealing the untouched beauty of Turkey’s Taurus Mountains.

    A Canyon of Extraordinary Beauty

    The heart of the national park is the magnificent Koprulu Canyon, carved over thousands of years by the emerald waters of the Köprüçay River. Stretching approximately 14 kilometers, the canyon reaches depths of nearly 400 meters, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Mediterranean region.

    Towering limestone cliffs, lush vegetation, and the constantly flowing river provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and native plants. Visitors may encounter:

    • Mediterranean pine forests
    • Cedar and cypress trees
    • Wild orchids and aromatic herbs
    • Mountain goats
    • Foxes
    • Wild boars
    • Eagles and hawks
    • River trout and freshwater fish

    The park’s remarkably clean environment has made it one of Turkey’s most important protected natural areas.

    The Koprucay River

    Flowing through the canyon, the Koprucay River is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, fed by underground springs from the Taurus Mountains. Besides shaping the canyon, the river supports a rich ecosystem and provides excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation.

    Today, Koprucay is internationally recognized as one of Turkey’s premier destinations for:

    • White-water rafting
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • River trekking
    • Swimming
    • Fishing
    • Nature photography

    Its combination of gentle stretches and exciting rapids makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.

    Historic Roman Bridges

    One of the park’s most remarkable historical landmarks is the Oluk Bridge. Built during the Roman period, this impressive stone bridge has stood for nearly two thousand years and still spans the canyon today. Constructed with extraordinary engineering skill, it remains one of the finest surviving Roman bridges in Anatolia.

    Nearby is the equally historic Büğrüm Bridge, crossing the Kocadere Stream. Together, these bridges illustrate the sophistication of Roman engineering and the strategic importance of this ancient route.

    White-Water Rafting Capital of Turkey

    Koprulu Canyon has become Turkey’s most popular destination for white-water rafting. Every year thousands of visitors enjoy guided rafting trips through the canyon’s exhilarating rapids and peaceful stretches.

    Adventure activities include:

    • White-water rafting
    • Kayaking
    • Canoeing
    • Ziplining
    • Jeep safaris
    • Mountain biking
    • Hiking
    • Camping
    • Rock climbing

    Professional rafting operators provide equipment and instruction, making the experience accessible even for first-time visitors.

    Hiking and Nature Walks

    Numerous trails lead through fragrant pine forests, riverside landscapes, and elevated viewpoints overlooking the canyon. Hiking routes range from easy walks to more challenging mountain treks, offering opportunities to discover the park’s rich flora, wildlife, and geological formations.

    Spring and autumn are particularly rewarding seasons, when wildflowers bloom and temperatures are ideal for outdoor exploration.

    Ancient City of Selge

    One of the park’s most rewarding excursions is to the ancient Selge, perched high in the Taurus Mountains. Founded by the Pisidians and later flourishing under Roman rule, Selge boasts an impressive archaeological heritage, including:

    • A remarkably preserved Roman theater
    • Ancient city walls
    • Temples
    • Agora remains
    • Cisterns
    • Necropolis
    • Panoramic mountain views

    Its remote location has helped preserve its authentic atmosphere, making it one of southern Turkey’s lesser-known archaeological treasures.

    Dedegöl Mountains

    Nature enthusiasts can also venture into the nearby Dedegöl Mountains, where rugged peaks, alpine meadows, caves, and pristine forests provide outstanding opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, camping, and wildlife observation.

    Dining by the River

    Scattered along the banks of the Köprüçay River are numerous traditional restaurants built on wooden platforms above the flowing water. Visitors can enjoy fresh local specialties while listening to the soothing sound of the river.

    Popular dishes include:

    • Grilled trout
    • Fresh river fish
    • Mixed Turkish meze
    • Gözleme (traditional stuffed flatbread)
    • Grilled meats
    • Seasonal salads
    • Turkish tea served beside the river

    Best Time to Visit

    • Spring (April–June): Ideal for rafting, hiking, and enjoying lush green landscapes.
    • Summer (June–September): Perfect for rafting, swimming, and outdoor adventures, with the cool river providing relief from the heat.
    • Autumn (September–October): Pleasant temperatures, vibrant colors, and fewer crowds.
    • Winter: Quiet and scenic, suitable for photography and peaceful nature walks.

    Why Visit Köprülü Canyon National Park?

    Köprülü Canyon National Park is one of Turkey’s finest destinations for both adventure and relaxation. Its towering canyon walls, emerald river, ancient Roman bridges, rich biodiversity, and nearby archaeological treasures create an unforgettable combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re rafting through thrilling rapids, hiking forest trails, exploring the ancient city of Selge, or enjoying fresh trout beside the river, Köprülü Canyon offers one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences on the Turkish Riviera.

  • Ozkonak Underground City – carved into the volcanic tuff of Mt. Idis

    Ozkonak Underground City – carved into the volcanic tuff of Mt. Idis

    Ozkonak Underground City is one of Cappadocia’s most intriguing underground settlements, located approximately 14 km northeast of Avanos. Built beneath the northern slopes of Mount İdis, this remarkable underground city was carved into layers of volcanic tuff and granite-like volcanic rock, creating a vast subterranean refuge for ancient communities.

    Although less famous than Derinkuyu Underground City and Kaymakli Underground City, Ozkonak is unique for its innovative defensive features and more spacious tunnel system, making it one of the most interesting underground cities to explore in Cappadocia.

    History and Discovery

    Ozkonak remained hidden beneath the earth until 1972, when local farmer and muezzin Latif Acar discovered a mysterious underground chamber while investigating where water used to irrigate his crops was disappearing.

    Further excavations revealed an extensive underground settlement consisting of interconnected rooms, tunnels, storage chambers, ventilation shafts, and defensive structures. Archaeologists uncovered a city that could shelter thousands of inhabitants during times of danger.

    Today, ten levels are believed to exist, extending to a depth of approximately 40 meters below ground, although only four levels are currently accessible to visitors.

    Architecture and Engineering

    The underground city was designed to provide safety, ventilation, communication, and long-term survival during invasions.

    Tunnel Network

    A complex system of galleries and passageways connects living quarters, communal spaces, storage rooms, and defensive sections throughout the city.

    Ventilation System

    Unlike many underground settlements, Ozkonak contains highly efficient ventilation shafts that provided fresh air throughout the complex even when entrances were sealed.

    Communication Holes

    Long vertical shafts between levels allowed residents to communicate with each other and transport supplies between floors without exposing themselves to danger.

    Water Supply

    A sophisticated well system provided fresh water for inhabitants, enabling extended periods of underground habitation.

    Winery and Storage Rooms

    Special chambers were used for storing grain, food, wine, and other necessities required for long stays underground.

    Unique Defensive Features

    One of the most remarkable aspects of Ozkonak is its advanced defense system.

    Rolling Stone Doors

    Like other Cappadocian underground cities, enormous circular stone doors could be rolled into place to block tunnels and prevent enemy access.

    Defense Holes Above Tunnels

    Ozkonak features a rare security system not commonly found elsewhere in Cappadocia. Small openings positioned above passageways allowed defenders to attack invaders by dropping stones, spears, or even hot oil through the shafts.

    These features made the underground city exceptionally difficult to penetrate.

    What to See

    Main Entrance Galleries

    The entrance tunnels offer a fascinating introduction to the underground world beneath Cappadocia.

    Living Chambers

    Explore rooms that once housed families seeking refuge during periods of conflict.

    Food Storage Areas

    Large storage spaces reveal how communities survived underground for extended periods.

    Ventilation Shafts

    Observe the engineering techniques that kept air circulating throughout the city.

    Winery

    Discover evidence of Cappadocia’s ancient wine-making traditions.

    Defensive Corridors

    See the unique security features that distinguish Ozkonak from other underground settlements.

    Things to Do

    • Explore the underground tunnels and chambers.
    • Learn about ancient defensive engineering.
    • Photograph the city’s fascinating architecture.
    • Join a guided historical tour.
    • Compare Ozkonak with Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu.
    • Visit nearby Cappadocian valleys and villages.

    Nearby Attractions

    Avanos

    Known for pottery workshops, ceramics, and the scenic Kızılırmak River.

    Zelve Open Air Museum

    An abandoned cave settlement showcasing Cappadocia’s unique rock-cut architecture.

    Çavuşin

    A historic village with cave dwellings and ancient churches.

    Göreme

    The heart of Cappadocia tourism and gateway to famous hot-air balloon flights.

    Göreme Open Air Museum

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Byzantine frescoed churches.

    Kaymaklı Underground City

    One of Cappadocia’s largest underground settlements.

    Derinkuyu Underground City

    The deepest underground city in the region.

    Tours and Excursions

    Cappadocia Red Tour

    Many organized tours include:

    • Ozkonak Underground City
    • Avanos pottery workshops
    • Zelve Open Air Museum
    • Devrent Valley
    • Pasabag (Monks Valley)

    Underground Cities Tour

    Explore several subterranean settlements to better understand Cappadocia’s unique underground civilization.

    Cultural Heritage Tours

    Combine visits to underground cities with cave churches, valleys, and traditional villages.

    Food and Drink

    Nearby Avanos offers excellent opportunities to sample traditional Cappadocian cuisine.

    Popular local specialties include:

    • Testi Kebabı
    • Mantı
    • Gözleme
    • Local lamb dishes
    • Cappadocian wines
    • Turkish tea and coffee

    Visitor Information

    Best Time to Visit

    • Spring (April–May): Ideal weather and beautiful landscapes.
    • Autumn (September–October): Comfortable temperatures and excellent sightseeing conditions.
    • Summer: Cooler underground temperatures provide relief from the heat.
    • Winter: Fewer visitors and magical snow-covered Cappadocian scenery.

    Duration

    Most visits take between 1 and 1.5 hours.

    What to Bring

    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Light jacket
    • Camera
    • Drinking water

    Accessibility

    Some passages are narrow and involve stairs. Visitors with mobility limitations or claustrophobia should take this into consideration.

    Why Visit Ozkonak?

    Ozkonak Underground City offers a fascinating glimpse into one of humanity’s most ingenious survival strategies. Its unique defensive systems, spacious galleries, and remarkable engineering make it one of the most distinctive underground cities in Cappadocia. Combined with nearby attractions such as Avanos, Zelve, Göreme, and Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys, Ozkonak is an essential stop for travelers interested in archaeology, history, and the extraordinary cultural heritage of central Turkey.

  • Explore the 2025 km of the Turkey Mediterranean coastline, dive in crystal clear waters

    All of the ruins in Turkey are closed to diving. In such prohibited areas, special permission is required for diving. Suitable places to dive in the Eastern Mediterranean region are; Iskenderun Arsuz region, Mersin vicinity, Maiden’s Castle, Anamur coast.