Relics of Christianity in Turkey - Part 2

Caves and the underground city of Cappadocia (continued, p.2) Christian hermits settled here in the fourth century, probably, at that time there were founded the monastic community. Until now, this area abounds in cave houses which are carved in the rocks and hills. Very strange place, but somehow I think that they are not so bad living here. Hermits are obviously "lit" are here to its fullest. How else to explain all these tanks for storage of grapes and wine? Also there is a house where the saint, Simon (called the first hermit ... but what about St. Paul? In general, we will not argue) lived for 15 years. By the way, you need to properly evaluate the height of the ladder that goes to the cave entrance. I got up to half, when he suddenly remembered the visit of the Chinese city of Nanjing. There with me there was a small but very unpleasant incident. In general, I decided to not continue to rise and miss this church. My niece reminded me that for us was the whole place, but the insecurity that emerged for me, was enough to stop the rise. You can call me a coward. Inside the rock the church I went downstairs, looked at the hovering in the sky, forty, eagles and falcons, and my niece, Shelly, continued its way up the stairs. This geological wonder attracts millions of tourists. We are fortunate that we decided to come here early. Otherwise, all those who stood behind me in line and waited until I go down the stairs, cursing to me a long time. I do not spend time in vain and did not expect Shelley, and decided to enjoy the beautiful view of the huge cone-shaped rock. Fairy chimneys are made of basalt and tuff, they resemble Turkish headgear. Wind and water, actually - some of the best architects, combined, these two elements are destroying tuff most bizarre way. The name "fairy chimneys" describe these structures are better than the "Valley of the camel (which is next to the Museum in the open air), although come to mind, and other comparisons, which is best I leave with you. Look at the picture, some of them look absolutely stunning. Camel valley We still managed to get into one of the underground cities. And once again we were amazed at how early Christians hiding from Arab invaders, burrowing under the ground, while remaining invisible from the surface. We also once again convinced that life under the earth was not so harsh. During the excursion underground, when we moved from one room to another, I felt as if the way through a giant cheese. Sometimes we met stone doors, which were similar to the wheels. If the stone to fill up the entrance to the room, it did not immediately guess that there is a door, because she looks exactly like the stone wall, beyond which there can be nothing. How ingenious! Life in the cave was held with some small residential "facilities", once again we found the capacity to store grain grinders for pomace olive oil and grape juice, as well as stone tables and chairs. We sat on the stone chairs and imagine that we face on the table is dried apricots, figs, raisins, unleavened bread and wine. Not bad. The rooms were even smaller hole, which must have served as a sort of ventilation. Cool Start material: Completion of material: