In 1972 a local farmer in Kapadokya, Latif Acar, noticed that excess water from his fields was disappearing. He was curious and followed the runoff to an underground room. That discovery led to an archaeological expedition, which rediscovered the city of Özkonak.
(Model of the city)
Above and below are near the surface. These would have been used as stables and fodder storage.
Besides ventilation shafts, this city has two unique features from other similar cities in the region: one is holes above passages to dump hot sand on invaders, the other is a pipe "communication system" to communicate between levels.
The city had a total of 10 levels; only the first four are open to the public.
It is also known for having a wine processing area (below), because there is no reason we cannot be civilized.
Looking up at another level.
Passageway and grain storage bin:
Rock doors, used for sealing passages in the event of an invading force.
Ventilation shaft:
Full view of one of the rock "doors":
Good grief! That is a lot of digging.......over 200?!?
ReplyDeleteIt is, Nylon12. And some of them were even connected by tunnels!
DeleteI'm not sure I would thrive in such an environment, at least not without a stable source of electricity. I can't imagine living down there with only fire for light.
ReplyDeleteEd, I suspect many would not. That said, this was likely a limited option for protection against raiders and war.
DeleteThat is so fascinating. 10 levels all excavated with hand tools! Amazing.
ReplyDeleteLeigh, it is a stunning achievement born 100% of human labor and hand tools. How bad were things at times that this was the option?
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