The underground cities of the Byzantine Empire - Veronica Kalas
The breathtaking geological formations
of Cappadocia
present one of the most astonishing
landscapes on Earth.
Also known as fairy chimneys,
these sturdy stone cones were created
by massive volcanic eruptions,
which poured countless tons of ash
across what would eventually become
part of central Türkiye.
Over millions of years,
that volcanic fallout hardened
into a porous rock known as ignimbrite,
which was sculpted by centuries
of wind and rain
into the colorful spires we see today.
But this impressive terrain hides
an equally remarkable feat
of pre-modern engineering:
a network of extensive underground cities
stretching deep below the surface.
Archaeological work on these mysterious
ruins only started in the 1960s,
so researchers still have many
unanswered questions.
But they have been able to determine
some of the basics.
Cappadocia’s underground settlements
date back to the Middle Ages
when the region was part of the eastern
territories of the Byzantine Empire.
Throughout the 7th and 8th centuries,
this border region was frequently
under siege from Arab invaders,
which may have led locals
to seek refuge underground.
Initially, archaeologists assumed
these subterranean cities and sanctuaries
were created by Greek-speaking
Orthodox Christian monks
due to the numerous Byzantine churches
and copious religious imagery.
But further investigation revealed
intricately designed layouts
and elements of domestic architecture
that could only have been
produced by master masons.
Typically, these craftsmen would have
built such structures
with brick and stone,
but under the surface they carved
their designs directly into the rock.
All these complexes were
connected by stairs and tunnels
which could be sealed off
with large boulders for protection.
Residents dug deep enough
to reach the water table,
ensuring their access to water
during lengthy sieges.
And vertical ventilation shafts connect
these cities to the sky,
circulating cool, fresh air
to the residences inside.
In addition to living spaces,
these dwellings had wine presses,
cooking areas, and stables for livestock.
Some chambers even offered
old-fashioned lavatories,
where waste could be washed
into deep pits or covered with lime.
Normally, this approach would
still have left some stench,
but the region’s absorbent volcanic rock
helped maintain a dry
and odor-free environment.
The rock’s composition also helped ensure
stable temperatures throughout the year,
making these spaces ideal
for long-term living and food storage.
By the 11th century, the Byzantine Empire
secured its eastern frontier,
bringing peace and stability
back to the region.
But rather than abandoning
their underground settlements,
locals expanded them
into the landscapes above.
Building directly into the region’s
rocky cliffsides,
stoneworkers skillfully carved dwellings
with open courtyards
and adorned their entrances
with elegant facades.
Numerous churches were also
carved from the rock,
all designed in the standard architectural
styles of the Byzantine Empire
during the 9th to the 11th centuries.
This included simple structures
with altars and apses
as well as intricate designs
featuring columns and domes.
And on the inside, many showcased
vibrant wall paintings
depicting detailed Christian iconography.
These paintings
are still visible today,
making Cappadocia one of the most
significant repositories of Byzantine art
in the world.
But while these paintings
and stony structures endured,
their inhabitants were forced to move on.
It’s believed that the Byzantines started
vacating the region
when the Seljuk and Ottoman Turks
took hold of it in the late 11th century.
Over the following centuries,
local farmers and villagers used these
spaces for storage and squatting,
and there's evidence of some inhabitants
as recent as the early 20th century.
However, in the past few decades,
these cities have been recognized
as international heritage sites
requiring care and preservation.
This designation has earned
them government protection
and attracted both
curious researchers and tourists
eager to explore
their labyrinthine passageways.
Derinkuyu, which stretches up to 85 meters
below the ground,
and Kaymakli are the two best known
and most visited.
But Göreme, Ihlara, and many other valleys
are where you can see
the finest preserved churches,
all with spectacular Byzantine
architecture and wall paintings.
And as researchers continue
to excavate these sites,
they'll undoubtedly uncover even more
secrets from this buried history.
