Exploring the Wonders of Turkey (Part 1) / Discovering Millennium-old Murals in Cappadocia’s Cave City

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, compiled and reported by Li Xinyi

The cave dwellings from the movie *The Lord of the Rings* actually exist in real life. In a region of central Turkey called Cappadocia, there have been cave homes scattered across mountains and valleys since ancient times, forming a world wonder that has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area features uniquely shaped valleys—some wavy, some mushroom-like—formed millions of years ago due to volcanic eruptions. These valleys once served as shelters and churches for Christians fleeing persecution.

Since the dawn of Christianity, Cappadocia has been one of its most devout regions. Not only were many saints born here, but the area is also densely populated with churches, monasteries, and hermitages. Prophets such as John the Baptist even left their footprints here. Even after the Turkic people, who practiced Islam, conquered the Anatolian Plateau in the 11th century, the two religions and the successive inhabitants coexisted peacefully. Churches and mosques stood side by side, and Muslims would simply add a minaret to convert a church into a mosque without objection from Christians. It was an era of peaceful coexistence and mutual defense against external threats, as well as the time that enriched Cappadocia’s culture the most. When fierce Arab invaders arrived, Christians carved out cave homes, cave churches, and entire cave communities from the bizarre rocks. Some massive rock formations even housed entire cave neighborhoods, with intricate layouts and countless chambers inside. The largest cave community could accommodate up to 600 people.

Göreme Open-Air Museum is a must-visit attraction in the area. The name “Göreme” means “you cannot see,” referring to how it helped Christians hiding in cave communities evade detection by Arabs. This was achieved by carving out churches, residences, and livestock shelters within the rock formations, fostering a culture of cohabitation and communal living.

In Christian history, Göreme holds an even more revered status. The Apostle Paul believed the environment of Göreme was ideal for training missionaries, so he chose to establish a theological school here. As a result, between the 4th and 9th centuries, Göreme became the faith center of Asia Minor. The cave churches in the open-air museum preserve intact religious murals, serving as the best testament to Göreme’s enduring faith. There are about 30 churches in the open-air museum, all carved into hard rock after the 9th century by Christians fleeing Arabs. These churches feature cross-shaped layouts and domed roofs, and the murals painted inside are true artistic masterpieces.