The cave metropolis of Derinkuyu.

There are several underground cities in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. The largest and most unique of them is Derinkuyu, built three thousand years ago.

All inclusive

Derinkuyu consists of a vast network of cut-out caves connected by tunnels. The system is multi-level, with eight tiers. The lowest is at a depth of 60 meters. Wells and ventilation shafts allowed you to live underground without going upstairs. The city had everything necessary for a full life - workshops, warehouses, schools, temples, places for general meetings and even cemeteries. The complex network of tunnels that replaced the streets was understandable to locals, but dangerous to outsiders - it was easy to get lost and die without water and food.

Eight floors down

The first floor (five meters from the secret entrance) consisted of kitchens, wineries and stables. On the second floor were the living quarters and storerooms, and on the third floor were the school, church and cemetery. From the third floor began the longest, 10-kilometer tunnel that connected Derinkuyu with other underground cities. The fourth level included ventilation shafts, a prison, hiding places, and a water reservoir. And further down to the eighth floor, the pattern was roughly the same.

The hideout and the tourist quest

Who created this amazing city and why? It is believed that Derinkuyu was built by the Hittites (an Indo-European people who lived in the Bronze Age). Later, the city sheltered Christians who were being persecuted. Life in Derinkuyu continued until the 7th century AD. The underground metropolis was discovered quite recently, in the early 60s. And five years later, in 1967, they opened Derinkuyu for tourists. You can still go there now. The main thing is not to suffer from claustrophobia. After all, 60 meters underground is no joke.