Our adventure in Cappadocia took an intriguing turn when we visited the Ozkonak Underground City, a fascinating subterranean complex carved into the region’s soft volcanic rock. Located about 14 kilometers northeast of Avanos, Ozkonak is one of several underground cities in Cappadocia, offering a unique glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of ancient civilizations.
Arrival at Ozkonak Underground City
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Ozkonak Underground City, we were immediately struck by the site’s unassuming exterior. From the surface, it looked like a small, quiet village, but we knew that beneath our feet lay a sprawling network of tunnels, chambers, and passageways that had served as a refuge for countless people over the centuries.
History of Ozkonak Underground City
The history of Ozkonak dates back to the Hittites, who first started digging into the soft volcanic rock to create storage rooms and shelters. However, the city as we know it was significantly expanded during the Byzantine era, around the 5th and 10th centuries AD, primarily to provide protection from invading forces such as the Arabs during the Byzantine-Arab Wars.
The underground city was discovered by a local farmer in 1972. When Latif Acar started exploring where his excess crop water was disappearing to, he uncovered this amazing complex. The full complex contains ten levels, although only a few are currently open to the public. When fully operational, this underground city could sustain 60,000 people for three months. Secret passageways allowed them access. They were even able to shelter livestock here.
The People Who Built and Lived in Ozkonak
The inhabitants of Ozkonak were primarily early Christians seeking refuge from religious persecution. These communities needed safe havens where they could live, worship, and conduct their daily lives away from the threat of invaders. The underground cities provided not only physical protection but also a secret place to practice their faith.
Exploring the Ozkonak Underground City
As we descended into the depths of Ozkonak, we marveled at the complex architecture. The city is spread across several levels, with each level connected by narrow, sloping passageways. The ingenuity of the ancient builders was evident in the design of the city, which included living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, stables, wineries, and even chapels.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Ozkonak is its advanced ventilation system. The builders created an extensive network of ventilation shafts to ensure a steady supply of fresh air throughout the city. Additionally, the city was equipped with strategically placed stone doors that could be rolled across entrances to block invaders and large stone wheels that served as security measures, allowing residents to seal off sections of the city.
Daily Life in the Underground City
Living in an underground city required considerable adaptation. The residents led lives that, while hidden from the world above, were bustling with activity below. Communal areas were designed for cooking and socializing, while individual living quarters provided privacy and space for families.
Water was sourced from deep wells, and waste was managed through a network of hidden shafts. The underground city also included communal chapels where residents could gather for religious services, reflecting the deep faith of the early Christian inhabitants.
Reflections on Our Visit
Our visit to Ozkonak Underground City was a humbling experience. Walking through the dimly lit passageways and seeing the ingenuity of the ancient builders, we gained a profound respect for the resilience and resourcefulness of the people who once lived there. Their ability to create a thriving community underground, complete with all the necessities for daily life, is a testament to their determination to survive and protect their way of life.
For anyone visiting Cappadocia, the Ozkonak Underground City is a must-see. It offers a unique perspective on the region’s rich history and the incredible lengths to which people went to secure their safety and freedom. Our journey through the ancient tunnels of Ozkonak was not just a step back in time, but a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit and the quest for sanctuary in the face of adversity.
As we emerged back into the sunlight (which required us to retrace our steps through the narrow passageways), we carried with us a deeper appreciation for the hidden histories beneath our feet and the remarkable legacy of the people who once called the Ozkonak Underground City their home.
Read more about our adventures in Turkey:
- Blue Mosque, Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
- Hippodrome, Istanbul
- Topkapi Palace, Istanbul
- Spice Bazaar, Istanbul
- Gelibolu Barik, Gallipoli
- Troy Ruins, Canakkale
- Kolin Hotel, Canakkale
- Asclepieion of Pergamon, Pergamon
- Korumar Hotel, Kusadasi
- Virgin Mary’s House, Kusadasi
- Ancient Ephesus, Kusadasi
- Bizim Ev Hanimeli Restaurant, Selcuk
- Ephesus Museum, Selcuk
- Hierapolis Ruins, Hierapolis
- Martyrium of Saint Philip, Hierapolis
- Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel, Colossae
- Mevlana Museum, Konya
- Sultanhan Caravanserai, Sultanhani
- Dinler Hotel, Urgup
- Hot Air Balloon Ride, Capadoccia
