Derinkuyu is an ancient underground city buried beneath the volcanic rock of Turkey, Cappadocia. This marvel of engineering is no mere cellar; it’s a multi-level metropolis capable of sheltering up to 20,000 people. Carved out of soft volcanic tuff, Derinkuyu’s origins are unclear, but it’s believed to have been steadily expanded over centuries.
Photo by: @zynl_ozturk[IG]The city boasts a network of tunnels reaching depths of 280 feet. Homes, stables, storehouses, and even religious spaces were meticulously carved out of the rock. Ventilation shafts ensured fresh air, while a cleverly designed well provided water. Rolling stone doors could seal off sections of the city, creating a secure haven from invaders.
Derinkuyu’s exact purpose remains a subject of debate. Some theories suggest it was primarily used by early Christians seeking refuge from persecution. Others believe it served as a communal space for locals to escape harsh weather or invading armies. Regardless of its original purpose, Derinkuyu stands as a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability, offering a glimpse into a fascinating subterranean world.
Michael Wood stated that Cappadocia boasts one of the largest underground cities known as Derinkuyu, constructed in the seventh century BC. This underground marvel had the capacity to shelter 20,000 people along with their livestock and food stores.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.