Explore Turkey’s Hidden Underground City

Summary

Beneath the Turkish region of Cappadocia lies an ancient hidden city, rediscovered in 1963 when a man renovating his basement uncovered a secret room. The underground city, believed to have been created during the Byzantine era around 1000 AD, was designed to protect inhabitants from war and disasters. It features a vast network of tunnels connecting kitchens, stables, churches, and more, and could have sheltered up to 20,000 people. The discovery reveals the largest known underground city in Cappadocia, highlighting its historical significance and strategic purpose.

Takeaways

• 😀 The city of Derinkuyu, located in the Turkish region of Cappadocia, was hidden underground for over a thousand years.
• 😀 The city was rediscovered in 1963 when a man accidentally found a hidden room while renovating his basement.
• 😀 Derinkuyu is an ancient, subterranean city that is over 280 feet deep and believed to be over a thousand years old.
• 😀 The city was likely constructed during the Byzantine era around 1000 AD to protect inhabitants from wars and natural disasters.
• 😀 The underground city consists of a network of tunnels that connect various areas such as kitchens, stables, churches, wells, and even schools.
• 😀 It is believed that Derinkuyu could have accommodated up to 20,000 people, including livestock and food supplies.
• 😀 Cappadocia is well-known for its subterranean safe havens, with speculation that Derinkuyu may have been connected to many others.
• 😀 The region’s unique topography and historical significance made it a natural place for the construction of underground cities.
• 😀 Derinkuyu’s design suggests advanced architectural skills, capable of housing large communities underground.
• 😀 The discovery of Derinkuyu sheds light on the ingenuity and resilience of ancient civilizations in times of conflict and disaster.

Q & A

Where is the ancient hidden city located?

The hidden city is located beneath the Turkish region of Capadocia, specifically in the area known as Capadocia.

When was the hidden city rediscovered?

The hidden city was rediscovered in 1963 when a man knocked down a wall in his basement and found a hidden room.

How deep is the hidden city?

The hidden city is over 280 feet deep.

What is the estimated age of the hidden city?

The city is thought to be about a thousand years old, dating back to around 1000 AD during the Byzantine era.

Why was the city likely built underground?

The city was likely built as a means of protection from wars and natural disasters.

What features are included in the underground city?

The underground city consists of tunnels connecting various areas, including kitchens, stables, churches, wells, and even a school.

How many people could the city have sheltered?

It is speculated that the underground city could have sheltered up to 20,000 people, along with livestock and food supplies.

What is the significance of the Capadocia region in terms of underground spaces?

Capadocia is known for its subterranean safe havens, which are believed to be interconnected, with the underground city possibly linking many of them.

What is the historical context of the city's construction?

The city was likely constructed during the Byzantine era, around 1000 AD, as a means of providing shelter and protection from external threats.

How large is the underground city compared to others in Capadocia?

This underground city is considered the largest in the Capadocia region, potentially housing 20,000 people, making it a significant and expansive site.