Derinkuyu is a fascinating ancient underground city located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. It was discovered in 1954 and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, attracting nearly 150,000 visitors each year. The city has served as a refuge during regional conflicts throughout history, preserving countless artifacts from human civilization. Let us explore this incredible underground city!
Derinkuyu is one of the best-preserved underground cities in the world.
It has been used as a refuge during regional conflicts including Arab invasions in the 11th century and World War I, preserving countless artifacts from human history.
Derinkuyu consists of three underground levels connected to each other via tunnels, as well as 9 separate entrances, including one at the base of a 110-foot ventilation shaft. Each level was large enough to house 20,000 people at a time. The city’s warm temperatures made it unsuitable for wine cellars, but perfect for food storage.
Derinkuyu is an ancient underground city located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey.
It was discovered in 1954 by a group of local workers who were drilling a well. The city is estimated to have been built in the 8th or 9th century BC and served as a refuge during regional conflicts including Arab invasions in the 11th century and World War I, preserving countless artifacts from human history.
In 2013, Derinkuyu was among the 28 finalists of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
The city consists of eight stories and extends to a depth of approximately 60 m (197 ft). In some areas, the city has a height of about 5 m (16 ft), while in others it is as low as 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in). The city was built to sustain a community of people and animals numbering up to 20,000.
Visitors entered the first level at the bottom of a narrow staircase from the hillside above. From there they could access other floors by means of ladders between levels or stairs carved into stone.
The ancient city of Derinkuyu
It was discovered in 1954 and is located in the province of Nevsehir, Turkey. The city was carved out of volcanic rock and served as a refuge during regional conflicts including Arab invasions in the 11th century and World War I. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, attracting nearly 150,000 visitors annually.
The city comprises eight levels, each with its own unique features. Visitors can explore the city’s subterranean churches, kitchens, stables, and wine cellars. One of the most fascinating aspects of Derinkuyu is that it was built to accommodate 20,000 people—meaning that the city was completely inhabited. A ventilation system on each level of the city assisted with airflow and prevented suffocation. But, if excessive carbon dioxide levels were detected, additional air tunnels could be opened to improve oxygen flow.
What artifacts can be found in Derinkuyu
Military tactics were also employed in this ancient city’s construction. Stairs lead to solid ceilings, making it difficult for enemy invaders to pass through the levels. Thick walls were designed to thwart sieges and weapon fire, and internal corridors with multiple entrances allowed citizens to flee upwards if their level was infiltrated by attackers.
Derinkuyu is one of the best-preserved underground cities in the world and has served as a refuge during regional conflicts throughout history.
A ventilation system on each level of the city assisted with airflow and prevented suffocation. Military tactics were also employed in this ancient city’s construction. Stairs lead to solid ceilings, making it difficult for enemy invaders to pass through the levels. Thick walls were designed to thwart sieges and weapon fire. Internal corridors with multiple entrances allowed citizens to flee upwards if their level was infiltrated by attackers.