Kaymakli Underground City | Cappadocia

Kaymaklı Underground City is another fascinating underground complex located in Cappadocia, Turkey, and is considered one of the largest and most well-preserved underground cities in the region. It is situated in the Kaymaklı district of Nevşehir Province, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Derinkuyu Underground City. Like its counterpart, Kaymaklı offers a glimpse into the ancient and ingenious underground architecture that served as a refuge for thousands of people during times of danger.

History and Discovery:

Origins and Use: Like other underground cities in Cappadocia, Kaymaklı is believed to have been used as early as the Hittite period (around 2000 BCE) and was expanded and utilized extensively during the Byzantine period (4th to 10th centuries AD) by early Christians. These Christians used the underground cities to escape persecution and Arab invasions, carving out homes, churches, storage areas, and defense mechanisms into the soft volcanic tuff rock.

Rediscovery: Kaymaklı was rediscovered in 1964, when it was found to have been used as a subterranean city for both defense and daily living. The city was carved into the soft rock of the region and features a multi-level structure that could house thousands of people. Today, it is one of the most visited underground cities in Cappadocia.

Structure and Layout:

Kaymaklı Underground City is an incredible example of ancient engineering. The city is built across eight levels, although only four levels are open to the public. The lower levels are less accessible due to narrow passages and the need for more restoration, but the open levels provide a clear picture of how the city was designed to function.

Vertical Design: The city’s design is based on vertical shafts and interconnected rooms. The levels are connected by narrow passageways, and the floors above and below are linked by stairs or steep ramps. The underground city is carved into the volcanic rock, with chambers, tunnels, and rooms built to facilitate both defense and daily life.

Living Quarters and Storage: Similar to Derinkuyu, Kaymaklı's residents would have used the underground city for living, eating, storing food, and seeking refuge. The rooms are designed with basic facilities like kitchens, storage areas, wine and oil presses, and sleeping quarters. There are also communal spaces for gatherings, much like small neighborhoods within the underground complex.

Ventilation and Air Circulation: One of the most impressive aspects of Kaymaklı Underground City is its sophisticated ventilation system. There are ventilation shafts that allow fresh air to circulate throughout the city. These shafts were essential for maintaining air quality and survival in such a confined space.

Defense Mechanisms: Kaymaklı, like Derinkuyu, has large circular stone doors that could be rolled into place to seal off the entrance and protect the inhabitants from invaders. These stone doors were designed to be pushed into position from the inside, preventing enemies from breaching the city. The narrow corridors and passageways also helped limit the number of attackers who could invade at once, creating natural choke points.

Key Features of Kaymaklı Underground City:

The Entrances and Passageways: The entrance to the underground city is relatively unassuming, located in the town of Kaymaklı. Once inside, visitors descend into the underground levels via narrow stairways. The passageways are tight and sometimes low, which adds to the sense of exploration and discovery.

The Living Quarters: The rooms on each level are designed for communal living, with spaces for cooking, sleeping, and socializing. The kitchens are often equipped with cooking areas carved into the rock, and there are storage spaces for food.

Wine and Oil Presses: As in many other underground cities in the region, wine presses and oil presses were carved into the rock. These presses were essential for food production and storage, providing a supply of wine and oil for the people living in the city.

Ventilation Shafts: The ventilation shafts are a critical feature of Kaymaklı, ensuring that the inhabitants of the underground city had a supply of fresh air. These shafts were dug vertically from the surface, and some were very deep, providing a continuous airflow to the lower levels.

Wells: The underground city has its own wells that were dug deep into the earth, ensuring a supply of fresh water for its inhabitants. The presence of wells is another testament to the self-sufficiency of the city.

The Church: Like many other underground cities in Cappadocia, Kaymaklı features a church carved into the rock. This church would have been used by early Christians as a place of worship and communal gathering, as they sought safety from invaders.

Stables and Animal Shelters: Kaymaklı’s underground complex also includes stables for animals, ensuring that livestock could be kept safe during periods of danger.

Food Storage: The city had large rooms dedicated to storing food and other provisions. These storage rooms were carefully designed to keep food supplies safe from pests and to ensure a steady supply of resources during times of siege.

Visiting Kaymaklı Underground City:

Location and Accessibility: Kaymaklı Underground City is located in the village of Kaymaklı, about 20 km (12 miles) south of Nevşehir, and is easily accessible from major towns like Göreme and Ürgüp. It is open to the public year-round, and guided tours are available to help visitors better understand the history and layout of the site.

Guided Tours: While it is possible to explore Kaymaklı on your own, taking a guided tour is highly recommended. Local guides provide fascinating insights into the history of the underground city, the lives of its inhabitants, and the engineering marvels that make it so unique.

What to Expect: Visitors will descend into the city through narrow staircases and walk through the many rooms and passageways. The tunnels can be quite cramped, so it's a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. The temperature inside is cooler than above ground, making it a refreshing escape from the heat in the summer months.

Best Time to Visit: Kaymaklı Underground City can be visited year-round, but the best times to go are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. Summer can be hot in Cappadocia, but the underground city provides a cool respite from the heat.

Conclusion:

Kaymaklı Underground City is a remarkable testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of ancient peoples who sought refuge beneath the earth's surface. With its sophisticated design, extensive layout, and defensive features, Kaymaklı provides an extraordinary glimpse into the past. Visiting the underground city offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the underground world of Cappadocia and to better understand the unique history and culture of the region. It is an unmissable destination for anyone traveling to Cappadocia and is a must-see for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.