Rock Town Kayasehir, also known as Nevsehir underground city, takes its name from the rock mosque located just below the castle. Rock-carved settlements have been discovered in this large area. Since the settlement area consists of places carved out of rocks, this is a very sufficient reason for us to call it an underground city. In this area, there are areas such as a 13th-century Byzantine rock church, multi-storey tombs, gathering areas for religious ceremonies, work workshops, and underground water tunnels. In the southern part of Kayasehir, in the area called the Greek quarter, there is the Hagios Georgios church, Greek bath and bell tower. The area where the bell tower is located was also used as a primary school for years.

The first discoveries of the Nevsehir underground city, known as Kayasehir, were made in 2015 and a major research was initiated following the discoveries. As a result of this research and scientific studies, 312 spaces and 700 rooms were discovered in the Kayasehir area. Among the 700 rooms, 6 rooms of linseed mills, known as the industry and production of the period, were discovered. It is understood that medicines, varnishing, kitchen oil, lamps and various plant oils were produced with linseed in these linseed mills.

Many ancient findings and historical artifacts were unearthed in Rock Town (Kayasehir) Nevsehir underground city. Some of these, including grinding stones, hand mills, wooden tools and 708 pipe artifacts, were unearthed. Tools used in ancient times such as 40 zikkes belonging to the period of Sultan Abdulmecit, 270 oil lamps, 12 grinding stones, 51 candlesticks, v21 tömbeki and 45 millstones dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries were found.

When we visited the Nevsehir underground city, we noticed that certain areas were open and some of the places were open to visit. We think that a few doors are closed and there are tunnel doors leading downwards. We think that these areas may be under work or may have been closed because they are not completely safe areas to visit.
Nevsehir Underground City

Rock Town Nevsehir Underground City Photos

In order to further expand this residential area, which was a city during the reign of Damat Ibrahim Pasha, Kurşunlu Mosque and residential and residential areas such as a soup kitchen, a madrasa and a hama were built around it. Nevsehir castle was also restored during this period. Nevsehir castle and its surroundings are an area with a different structure that has hosted many civilizations. In 2018, Nevşehir Hacıbektaş Veli University conducted a major scientific research in the castle and its surroundings and underground tunnels and different living spaces were discovered. Some excavations and research are still ongoing.

The architectural structure of Nevsehir castle kayasehir consists of a polygonal shape. Nevsehir castle, which has 4 bastions and 42 battlements, has 2 different entrance gates in the eastern part and the western part. Its altitude in the region is around 1343 1430 altitude. The castle was built with trench areas suitable for attacks that may come from outside. The structure of the castle consists of basalt stones.

With recent arrangements, the interior and surroundings of Nevsehir castle have been made suitable for tourism and are waiting for its visitors. We recommend you to visit the castle, which is located in an area overlooking Nevsehir.

Nevsehir Castle Photos

Famous Dishes of Nevşehir

When you look at the famous dishes of Nevsehir, you can see that a significant portion is based on Ottoman palace cuisine. Nevsehir dishes predominantly feature meat dishes and pastries in the region.

Düğün corbası, like many other places in Anatolia, is also made in Nevsehir. The soup can be prepared differently from region to region. In Nevsehir, the version of the soup includes tomato paste, bulgur, butter, and onions.

Nevsehir region is known as granary. For this reason, bulgur is often used in soups and meals. There is also bulgur and milk in the milk soup. It is one of the alternatives that you can drink at the restaurants in the region.

Cappadocia is often associated with the specialty dish called “testi kebabı” when it comes to local cuisine. The region is highly developed in pottery and during your visit to Cappadocia, you are likely to come across pottery workshops frequently. In some of these workshops, you can even participate in pottery making yourself and have a unique experience.

Testi kebabı, made using the pottery produced in the region, is a must-try when you visit Cappadocia. It is a dish prepared with beef and lamb meat, accompanied by various vegetables. The key to its flavor is the slow cooking process. Therefore, testi kebabı is often sold out in many places by the evening.

Nevşehir Tava is one of the dishes cooked over a wood fire. It is a dish you can find in most of the restaurants in the region. It is prepared with diced lamb, peppers, tomatoes, and special spices. It is served with warm pide (Turkish flatbread).

Nevşehir is one of the granaries of Anatolia, known for its grains and legumes. Therefore, legume dishes are frequently consumed in the region, and “Nohut Yahni” (chickpea stew) is one of them. The distinctive feature of this dish is that it is cooked over a tandır fire. In the traditional recipe, it is made with lamb meat, but some may also prepare it with beef.

Nevşehir, like its neighbor Kayseri, is famous for its “mantı” (Turkish dumplings). However, unlike the small and delicate Kayseri mantı, Nevşehir mantı is prepared in a different way. The dough is rolled out, filled with minced meat mixture, then rolled into a cylindrical shape and baked. Afterwards, it is served seasoned with yogurt and butter.

Ayva dolması is one of the popular desserts in Nevsehir. Coming from the Ottoman cuisine, this sweet is served in many restaurants after meals. However, you may encounter different versions of it in various restaurants.

Dolaz is a dessert made in different ways in various cities of Cappadocia. It resembles halva in taste and is made with ingredients like flour, water, oil, and eggs. It can be consumed both hot and cold. It is served with molasses made from grapes harvested from the vineyards in the region poured on top.

Safran is a recipe that has been present in Cappadocia for many years, with its roots in Ottoman cuisine. It contains ingredients such as rice, starch, saffron, currants, and pine nuts. Its appearance is similar to ashura, making it an ideal choice for those who want to experience different flavors.

What to Eat in Nevsehir?

https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kategori:Nev%C5%9Fehir_mutfa%C4%9F%C4%B1

Nevsehir is closely associated with the name Cappadocia and boasts an abundance of places to visit. Cappadocia in Nevşehir encompasses the eastern regions of Kayseri, western areas of Aksaray and Niğde. Yozgat is situated to the east of the province. Nevsehir possesses a unique geography, making it exceptionally significant both nationally and globally. With its historical structures and numerous landmarks, it holds great value in serving history.

The distinctive geography of Nevsehir was formed 60 million years ago from the ash and lava of extinct volcanoes such as Mount Erciyes and mount Hasan. These layers created plateaus, and today, the province consists of eight districts formed by these layers. However, the most well-known are the unique valleys, fairy chimneys, and historic areas in the triangle of Göreme, Ürgüp, and Avanos. These three districts are the most visited among others.

During the Ottoman period, Nevsehir was a medium-sized village known as Muskara. By the 18th century, it took its current name due to the investments made by Damat İbrahim Paşa, a native of Nevşehir. Although it means “new city,” it has a long history, hosting various civilizations and standing in the shadow of fairy chimneys, making it rich in places to see.

History and nature are intertwined in this city, with significant places and formations to be explored at every step. Therefore, it has a magical atmosphere and has transcended beyond being just a province in Turkey, becoming a unique tourist destination worldwide. The city is adorned with legends and stories, making it a place with infinite places to visit in Cappadocia.

Nevsehir is a city rich in tourist attractions, with many of these excursions centered around the town of Göreme. Göreme is often described as a place where one must “see before they die.” The town is home to the most poetic and awe-inspiring valleys, featuring houses carved into the rocks, magnificent hotels, and restaurants. It is a town that must be visited, offering an enchanting experience.

Göreme is also conveniently located close to many other places in the vicinity, making it an ideal base for exploration.

Nevsehir city center, located exactly 13 km away, houses a museum that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At one point, it served as a stable. It stands as one of the most magnificent formations in the Cappadocia region and is a notable site for those wondering what Nevsehir is famous for. Monastic life took place in this area between the 4th and 13th centuries AD. The open air museum includes various churches such as the Girls’ and Boys’ Monasteries, Apple church, Saint Barbara chapel, Saint Basil chapel, Dark church, Snake church, and Buckle church. The Dark church is particularly noteworthy and is a must-see among the churches in the museum.

The atmosphere of the history and nature is meticulously woven with the stories of many civilizations, step by step. There is also a unique place for those who want to take a journey among spiritual worlds. Hacı Bektaş Veli is a figure who exerted intense efforts for the unity of Turks and the adaptation of their traditional way of life to Islamic belief. For this purpose, he established a school in a place called Sulucakarahöyük and educated students. The founder of the Bektashi philosophy emphasizes the importance of tolerance and good moral conduct in living a humane life. Therefore, it is a very important shrine and is among the places that must be visited.

Nevşehir’s Ihlara valley is also among the regions that must be visited. Located within the borders of Cappadocia, Ihlara Valley is 15 kilometers long. With a depth of up to 100 meters, it is a beauty that hides itself from the outside world. It was formed during ancient times when Mount Hasan was an active volcano. The lava erupted from the volcano cooled and transformed into a different type of rock. Over time, collapses and the Melendiz River contributed to the valley taking on its present appearance. It is the valley where the early Christians withdrew into seclusion. For this reason, there are 105 religious structures within it. The churches are carved into the rocks. Only 14 of these religious structures have survived to the present day. The churches are carved in two or three stories.

Nevsehir province offers a plethora of places to visit. Therefore, a map of the places to visit in Nevşehir can be helpful for individuals in planning their trip. Underground cities are also among the places to explore within the province. Those intrigued by ancient civilizations can be fascinated by the histories of these underground cities. Among the underground cities that must be visited are Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı, Özkonak, Özlüce, Tatlar, and Mazı.

Each of them has unique features and a historical texture. Carved into tuff rocks, these cities were built by the local people to protect themselves during frequent attacks in those times. Underground cities are the most mysterious structures in the Cappadocia region. The questions of how they were built and how people lived here for months without leaving are significant mysteries. The reasons for their construction and how the people lived in them are still not clearly understood.

Derinkuyu Underground City
Kaymaklı Underground City
Özkonak Underground City
Mazı Underground City
Tatlarin Underground City
Sivasa Gökçetoprak Underground City
Özlüce Underground City

Cappadocia is often synonymous with fairy chimneys, and among them, the most famous are the Three Beauties. These fairy chimneys, with their distinctive conical shapes, can be easily observed from the panoramic viewpoint along the road to Ürgüp. They emerge from deep valleys, adorned with “hats” on top, a feature resulting from the durability of the upper layers against erosion. The fairy chimneys captivate viewers with their diverse and unique appearances, presenting a visual spectacle.

The colors of the fairy chimneys can range from reddish to grayish, offering a stunning visual display for visitors in both summer and winter. Every year, around 2 million tourists flock to the region to witness this breathtaking scenery. The best vantage point to admire this landscape is often considered to be from Ürgüp, providing an unparalleled view of the Three Beauties. Places to Visit in Nevsehir Touristic

Cappadocia region’s enchantment is further heightened by its valleys, each possessing unique characteristics. Among the places to visit in Nevsehir, the valleys stand out as ideal areas for walking and exploring history. In each valley, it is possible to be immersed in historical structures and breathtaking natural beauty. Walking tours are available to explore the valleys, and you can also visit them by hot air balloon, ATV, and bicycle tours. The valleys provide an excellent vantage point to observe the fairy chimneys.

Güllüdere valley is one of the valleys that can be explored on foot, offering a delightful experience with its historical structures and picturesque landscapes. Güvercinlik valley, Kılıçlar valley, and love Valley are among the most magnificent valleys within the boundaries of Cappadocia.

Soğanlı valley, situated near Derinkuyu underground city, served as an important religious center during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Devrent valley, with its chimney resembling a camel, is a must-see, etching a memorable image in the minds of visitors. Gomeda valley, located among the places to visit in Ürgüp, is reminiscent of a smaller version of Ihlara valley.

Numerous valleys in Cappadocia must be explored and witnessed due to their valuable structures and spectacular views.

• Nevsehir Airport Shuttle
• Kayseri Airport shuttle
• Cappadocia VIP Transfer

Where is Nevsehir places to visit Map

Nevsehir, considering its districts, is a province with a plethora of places to visit. Therefore, when planning your trip, it’s advisable to take into account the amount of time you have. If you only have a few days, you might consider joining tours to efficiently visit the most important places in the region.

If you have more than a week in Cappadocia, you can allocate your time to different regions. You may consider spending two days each in Göreme, Ürgüp, and Avanos. After exploring the museums in the city center, you can visit the valleys and participate in the region’s significant activities.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevşehir