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Goreme is a national park in Turkey. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been since 1985. Goreme is the name of the town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey, and it contains a number of amazing geologic formations.
Mount Erciyes, a nearby volcano, erupted thousands of years ago, and covered some 8,000 square miles (about 20,700 sq. km) in lava, which eventually formed beautiful soft rock formations over the entire area. Most of the rock was eroded over time, leaving only the harder caps to survive, making the structures that are today referred to as fairy chimneys.
In the 4th century, Goreme began to be settled by small Christian communities. They discovered that the soft rock could be easily carved, and so dug out churches, sanctuaries, houses, monasteries, and cells. Earlier structures that were built, which were dug during the iconoclastic period, were sparsely decorated, but later construction had elaborate frescoes.
The Churches of Goreme are one of its three attractions, and are more or less unique in the world. The Tokali Kilise is the largest of the Churches of Goreme, dating from around the 9th century. The frescoes in this church are stunning, with vibrant use of color and beautiful depictions of various saints, the apostles, and scenes showing the life of Jesus Christ.
Barbara Kilise is a church in Goreme celebrating the life of Saint Barbara. She was an Egyptian saint, who practiced Christianity in spite of being imprisoned by her father to try to prevent her faith. When he discovered her, he tortured her and killed her. Yilani Kilise celebrates Saint George slaying the dragon, and also contains depictions of the Emperor Constantine. Other churches in Goreme include the Karanlik Kilise, the Elmali Kilise, and the Carikli Kilise.
Tunnels and underground cave dwellings are another of the major attractions of Goreme. The oldest evidence for settlement in caves in this region dates back to the 4th century BCE, when Xenophon the Greek wrote about seeing underground storage facilities when passing through Cappadocia on the way to Persia. The caves were favored as dwellings in part because of the protection they offered from the elements. In the 13th century, Skutariotes the Byzantine wrote about the balanced temperatures dwellings in Goreme offered year-round.
The underground dwellings of Goreme are unique in the world in part because of the unique fairy chimneys that dot the landscape. This allowed for the construction of dwellings not only deep beneath the surface, but well up above the base level of the surrounding plains. This lead to a sort of otherworldly architecture, in which natural skyscrapers seem to spring up hundreds of feet in the air.
Goreme is one of the major tourist attractions in Western Turkey, and contains enough remarkable sights to keep almost everyone busy for days on end. There is something for everyone, with remarkable natural formations providing stark beauty to those who love the natural world, beautifully adorned early-Christian churches granting a religious tranquility and reverential presence to those of a more spiritual bent, and unique dwellings showing one of the most intriguing ways humans can live for those who are interested in archeological sites.
The entire site is easy to get to, with buses running regularly from Istanbul, and there is a good tourist infrastructure throughout. Paths crisscross the valley, and are free to all visitors. Maps are offered at most hotels, and show a number of routes to take through the valley. Balloon rides are also offered by a number of providers, and last for around 45 minutes, taking you through the valley as the wind blows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Göreme and why is it significant?
Göreme is a town in the Cappadocia region of central Turkey, renowned for its unique geological formations, historical cave dwellings, and beautiful fairy chimneys. It is significant as a cultural and historical site, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Roman period. Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting their global importance. The area's rich history, combined with its otherworldly landscape, makes Göreme a fascinating destination for travelers and historians alike.
What can visitors see and do in Göreme?
Visitors to Göreme can explore a myriad of attractions, including the open-air museum which showcases well-preserved rock-cut churches and frescoes from the 10th to 12th centuries. Adventure seekers can enjoy hot air balloon rides offering breathtaking views of the landscape at sunrise. Hiking through the valleys, such as Love Valley and Rose Valley, provides an up-close experience of the natural wonders. Additionally, staying in a cave hotel and experiencing traditional Turkish cuisine and culture are must-dos in Göreme.
How were the rock formations in Göreme created?
The rock formations in Göreme were created through a natural process that began millions of years ago. Volcanic eruptions deposited layers of ash, which solidified into soft rock called tuff. Over time, erosion sculpted the tuff into the distinctive pillars and minaret-like forms known as fairy chimneys. The varying hardness of the rocks led to the unique shapes seen today, as softer rock eroded more quickly than the harder, overlying layers.
What is the best time of year to visit Göreme?
The best time to visit Göreme is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) months. During these periods, the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer season. The pleasant temperatures make outdoor activities like hiking and hot air balloon rides more enjoyable. Additionally, the spring brings wildflowers to the valleys, while fall offers a display of changing colors in the landscape.
Are there any cultural events or festivals in Göreme?
Göreme and the surrounding region host several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most notable is the Cappadocia International Hot Air Balloon Festival, which attracts pilots and spectators from around the world. Other events include traditional Turkish nights with folk music and dances, wine tasting festivals celebrating the local vineyards, and the Whirling Dervishes ceremonies, offering a glimpse into the spiritual Sufi practice deeply rooted in Turkish culture.
Katika CulturalWorld, tumejitolea kutoa habari sahihi, ya kuaminika. Maudhui yetu yaliyoandikwa na wataalamu ni ya kweli-kuchunguzwa kwa ukali na inatokana na mamlaka ya kuaminika. Gundua jinsi tunavyotegemeza viwango vya juu zaidi katika kukupa maarifa ya kuaminika. Goreme ni mbuga ya kitaifa nchini Uturuki. Ni eneo la urithi wa ulimwengu wa UNESCO tangu mwaka 1985. Goreme ni mji wa Kappadocia, Uturuki, na ni mojawapo ya maeneo yenye mimea mingi ya asili. Mlima Erciyes, ambao ni volkano iliyo karibu, ulipuka maelfu ya miaka iliyopita, na ulifunika eneo la kilometa 8,500 za mraba (karibu 20,700 sq. mi). Kilomita) katika lava, ambayo hatimaye iliunda maumbo mazuri ya miamba laini juu ya eneo lote. "Mwamba huo uliharibiwa kwa muda, na kuachwa tu na vifuniko vyenye nguvu zaidi, na hivyo kuunda miundo ambayo leo inaitwa ""mchomo wa hadithi.""" Katika karne ya nne, Goreme ilianza kukaliwa na jamii ndogo za Wakristo. Waligundua kwamba mwamba laini ungeweza kuchongwa kwa urahisi, kwa hiyo wakachimba makanisa, makao matakatifu, nyumba, makao ya watawa, na vyumba vya magereza. Majengo ya zamani yalijengwa wakati wa enzi ya iconoclastic, lakini baadaye yalijengwa kwa frescoes. Makanisa ya Goreme ni mojawapo ya vivutio vyake vitatu, na ni ya kipekee ulimwenguni. Tokali Kilise ni moja ya makanisa makubwa zaidi ya Goreme, ambayo yalitengenezwa karibu na karne ya tisa. Picha za ukumbi wa kanisa hilo ni zenye kupendeza, na zina rangi nyingi na picha nzuri za watakatifu mbalimbali, mitume, na mandhari za maisha ya Yesu Kristo. Barbara Kilise ni kanisa katika Goreme kusherehekea maisha ya Mtakatifu Barbara. Alikuwa mtakatifu wa Misri, ambaye alitumia Ukristo licha ya kufungwa gerezani na baba yake kujaribu kuzuia imani yake. Alipomgundua, alimtesa na kumuua. Yilani Kilise huadhimisha Mtakatifu George akiua joka, na pia ina picha za Maliki Konstantino. Makanisa mengine huko Goreme ni pamoja na Karanlik Kilise, Elmali Kilise, na Carikli Kilise. Vituo vya chini ya ardhi na makao ya katika mapango ni vivutio vingine vikubwa vya Goreme. "Uhakika wa kale zaidi wa makazi katika mapango katika eneo hili ni wa karne ya nne KK, wakati Xenophon Mgiriki aliandika juu ya kuona ""viwanda vya kuhifadhi chini ya ardhi"" wakati wa kupita kupitia Cappadocia njiani kwenda Persia." Mapango yalipendwa kama makao kwa sababu ya ulinzi uliotolewa na mapango hayo dhidi ya hali mbaya za hewa. Katika karne ya 13, Skythe Byzantine aliandika juu ya hali ya hewa ya makazi katika Goreme. Nyumba za chini ya ardhi za Goreme ni za kipekee ulimwenguni, kwa sababu ya chemchemi za kipekee za hadithi ambazo ziko kotekote katika eneo hilo. Hilo lilifanya iwezekane kujenga nyumba si chini tu ya ardhi, bali pia juu zaidi ya nyanda zilizozunguka eneo hilo. Hii ilisababisha aina ya usanifu wa ulimwengu mwingine, ambapo majengo ya asili ya mnara wa mawingu yanaonekana kama yanainuka mamia ya futi hewani. Goreme ni moja ya vivutio vikubwa vya utalii katika Uturuki ya Magharibi, na ina vitu vya kutosha vya kuvutia kuweka karibu kila mtu amechukua kwa siku nyingi. Kuna kitu kwa kila mtu, na maumbo ya asili ya ajabu kutoa uzuri mkali kwa wale wanaopenda ulimwengu wa asili, kanisa la Kikristo la mapema lililopambwa vizuri, kutoa utulivu wa kidini na uwepo wa heshima kwa wale wenye mwelekeo wa kiroho zaidi, na makazi ya kipekee yanayoonyesha moja ya njia za kuvutia zaidi ambazo wanadamu wanaweza kuishi kwa wale wanaopendezwa na maeneo ya akiolojia. Uwanja wote ni rahisi kupata, na mabasi kukimbia mara kwa mara kutoka Istanbul, na kuna nzuri utalii miundombinu katika wote. Njia hizo hupita katika bonde hilo, na ni za bure kwa wageni wote. Ramani hutolewa katika hoteli nyingi, na huonyesha njia kadhaa za kupita katika bonde hilo. Ndege za kupaa kwa puto zinapatikana katika maeneo mengi ya nchi na kwa muda wa dakika 45 zinapeperushwa na upepo. Maswali yanayoulizwa mara nyingi Göreme ni nini na kwa nini ni muhimu? Mji wa Göreme, katika mkoa wa Kapadokia, ni maarufu kwa majengo yake ya kipekee ya kijiolojia, nyumba za kale za mapango, na chemchemi za hadithi. Ni muhimu kama tovuti ya kitamaduni na kihistoria, na ushahidi wa makazi ya binadamu dating nyuma ya kipindi cha Kirumi. Mbuga ya Kitaifa ya Göreme na Maeneo ya Miamba ya Cappadocia yameorodheshwa kama Maeneo ya Urithi wa Ulimwengu wa UNESCO, ikikazia umuhimu wao wa kimataifa. Historia tajiri ya eneo hilo, pamoja na mandhari yake ya ulimwengu mwingine, hufanya Göreme kuwa mahali pazuri pa kusafiri kwa wasafiri na wanahistoria vilevile. Watalii wanaweza kuona na kufanya nini huko Göreme? Wageni wa Göreme wanaweza kuchunguza vivutio vingi, ikiwa ni pamoja na jumba la makumbusho la wazi ambalo lina maonyesho ya makanisa ya mwamba yaliyohifadhiwa vizuri na michoro kutoka karne ya 10 hadi 12. Watu wanaotaka kujifurahisha wanaweza kufurahia safari za kupaa kwa puto la hewa yenye joto na kuona mandhari yenye kuvutia wakati wa mapambazuko. Kutembea kupitia mabonde, kama vile Bonde la Upendo na Bonde la Maua ya Maua, hutoa uzoefu wa karibu wa maajabu ya asili. Kwa kuongezea, kukaa katika hoteli ya pango na uzoefu wa vyakula vya jadi vya Kituruki na utamaduni ni lazima katika Göreme. Miamba ya Göreme iliumbwaje? Miamba ya Göreme iliumbwa kwa njia ya asili ambayo ilianza mamilioni ya miaka iliyopita. Mlipuko wa volkano ulisababisha matope mengi, ambayo yakawa mwamba laini unaoitwa tuff. Baada ya muda, mmomonyoko wa ardhi ulibadili miamba hiyo kuwa nguzo na minara inayofanana na minara inayoitwa chemchemi za hadithi. Uwezo wa miamba hiyo ya kutofautiana ulifanya iwe na umbo la kipekee kama lilivyo leo, kwa kuwa miamba laini iliharibika haraka kuliko tabaka ngumu zilizokuwa juu yake. Ni wakati gani bora wa mwaka wa kutembelea Göreme? Wakati bora wa kutembelea Göreme ni wakati wa majira ya kuchipua (Aprili hadi Juni) na kuanguka (Septemba hadi Novemba). Katika vipindi hivyo, hali ya hewa ni laini, na umati wa watalii ni mdogo ikilinganishwa na msimu wa kilele cha majira ya joto. Joto lenye kupendeza hufanya shughuli za nje kama vile kutembea kwa miguu na kupanda puto la hewa moto ziwe zenye kufurahisha zaidi. Kwa kuongezea, majira ya kuchipua huleta maua ya mwituni kwenye mabonde, huku majira ya kupukutika kwa majani yakionyesha rangi zinazobadilika-badilika katika mandhari. Je, kuna matukio yoyote ya kitamaduni au sherehe katika Göreme? Göreme na mkoa wa jirani mwenyeji wa matukio kadhaa ya kitamaduni na sherehe mwaka mzima. Miongoni mwa matukio hayo ni tamasha la kimataifa la ndege za angani la Cappadocia, ambalo huvutia marubani na watazamaji kutoka sehemu zote za ulimwengu. Maadhimisho mengine ni pamoja na usiku wa kitamaduni wa Kituruki na muziki wa kitamaduni na dansi, sherehe za ladha ya divai zinazosherehekea mashamba ya mizabibu ya ndani, na sherehe za Whirling Dervishes, kutoa mtazamo wa mazoezi ya kiroho ya Sufi iliyo mizizi sana katika utamaduni wa Kituruki.