Derinkuyu is an ancient underground city located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. It consists of 18 levels and stretches 280 feet below the Earth’s surface. The city was once home to approximately 20,000 people.
The existence of Derinkuyu remained unknown for many years until a local man discovered it in the 1960s. During renovations in his basement, he noticed a gap through which his chickens were disappearing. Curiosity led him to knock down a wall, revealing a tunnel that led to the underground city.
Since its rediscovery, Derinkuyu has become a popular tourist attraction and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors are able to explore eight of its 18 levels, gaining insight into the remarkable history and architecture of this subterranean city.
Derinkuyu serves as a fascinating testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of its ancient inhabitants, who carved out rooms, storage areas, and even a church within the underground complex. The city provided shelter and protection during times of conflict and invasion, with its intricate network of tunnels and ventilation systems ensuring the survival of its inhabitants.