Day thirty - 31 August 2009; Ihlara, Yuralti underground city, Goreme

To Ihlara valley, and caves that were converted to chapels in Roman times with lots of untended mosaics inside. It is nice to wander freely to see the ruins as they were left, with no guards to spoil the feeling of discovery. Unfortunately, the mosaics being left unprotected has subjected them to vandalism. There are signs saying ‘no flash’, but it seems you are perfectly allowed to pick at the paint. Sadly, these mosaics won’t last much longer. I enjoy the walk around the scenic valley and through the streams. It’s a nice change to the more touristy spots we have been visiting recently.

Driving through the nearby town, we can see that the existing homes are built in and around the ruins. Having ruin fatigue somewhat, it is nice to see a more practical attitude to historical buildings, and not an over-reverence.

We pass a small twister off the side of the road as we drive.

On the way to Goreme we stop to explore an old underground city (Kaymakli Yeralti Sehri) at Derinkuyu. Without a guide, we are clueless to its significance or its history, but we have fun exploring the caves.

Kaymakli Underground City

thanks to Dave J for Yeralti pictures

We pass through Uchasan on the outskirts of Goreme. I think it looks like Bedrock from the Flintstones, little realising that it is Goreme that is the rock city.