Kapadoyka (Cappadocia) is a significant historical area in central Turkey. There are many small towns here but Kapadoyka is no longer a municipal area and the name is just recognized for tourism.

Göreme from Hotel Lalezar.

Hotel Lalezar.

Hotel Lalezar.

As I was short on time, I did two guided tours visiting inter alia pottery, carpet and turquoise workshops. Interesting enough but don’t plan on shopping: The prices match the quality.

This is a pottery workshop in Avenos. Later, back in İstanbul, I saw a photo of the master potter from here (not this guy).

Making a wall from broken pottery pieces.

The carpet factory.

Silkworms being prepared.

Typical countryside in Kapadokya.

For more tourist shots, see balloon ride.

And this is what it is all about. Lots more coming!

Kapadokya is still a major agricultural area.

Çavuşin includes one of the oldest churches of the region, Saint John the Baptist (5^th century).

Güvercinlik (Pigeon) Valley.

Fairy chimneys are a major geological feature of Kapadokya. These natural structures have been carved into and used for churches and houses. They are also used to house pigeons which then provide fertilizer for this traditional agricultural area. The photos here came from many different localities.

The Museum is a monastic centre with many monasteries and churches each with their own rock-cut tables and benches. Most of the churches in the Göreme Open Air Museum belong to the 10^th, 11^th and 12^th centuries.

Kapadokya boasts several underground cities that, although used only for short-term hiding, each accommodated a rather large population. This one is the Kaymaklı Underground City. Definitely worth a visit but photos are boring.

The tour on the second day included a five kilometre walk in the Rose Valley. Kapadoyka is definitely the place to go for a walking holiday.

Spot the tourist!

Note about the other group tour in the antepenultimate photo. Fourth from the left is Lex.