7^th International Symposium On Eastern Mediterranean Geology

Cappadocia which is one of the unique landforms in the world. The region is bounded by the provinces of Aksaray, Nevsehir, Nigde, Kayseri and Kirsehir in the Central Anatolian region. Cappadocia is Turkey’s most visually striking area especially the “moonscape” area around the towns of Ürgüp, Göreme, Uchisar and Avanos, where erosion hasformed caves, clefts, “fairy chimneys” and sensuous folds in the soft volcanic rock.  

In the Upper Miocene period, Cappadocia region was occurred by the volcanic eruptions of Erciyes, Hasandag and Gulludag mountains, and it was formed as a large tableland from the volcanic tuffs and together with the erosion of the Kizilirmak River and wind over ten thousands of years. Although the volcanic landscape can appear inhospitable, the mineral-rich soil is excellent for growing vegetables and fruits, making Cappadocia a rich agricultural region. It has always been one of Anatolia's prime grape-growing areas, and still boasts many productive vineyards and wineries.

 In the prehistoric periods the first human settlements have begun and the humans have constructed the underground cities in the volcanic rocks and they lived for long times in these underground cities. There are so many underground cities on the Cappadocia area of Turkey but the biggest is Derinkuyu Underground City.