 "The grand canyon on acid," this is how the Cappadocia region has been
described. Whoever said it was right. Going to this place is like traveling into a weird,
warped, wild universe. It isn't on planet Earth. It couldn't be. Underground cities? Cave
houses? Swirl-y mounds of rock? Volcanoes? No way. This was not Earth. Mars? Maybe. But
not Earth.
Berna Örge, Coordinator of the Bilkent University's International Center, was very kind
to organize a tour of one of the most historically interesting and geographically bizarre
places in the country. The faculty members and their families who took part were a diverse
group. There were people on the bus who had just arrived on campus this summer, and those
who have been at Bilkent for years. They had come from places like China, Germany, the
United States, and Canada. Some had experienced Cappadocia before and just wanted to come
back, but for most of us this was our first time. We had all been told repeatedly that
this was a place we had to experience. It definitely was. Thanks to a fantastic tour guide
and a well thought out itinerary, we were able to see such a large amount of the region in
just two days.
The tour was a perfect opportunity to get a good idea of what the area was about. We were
given very thorough information on the cave churches, the "fairy chimney's", the
underground cities, the history of the area, and the different groups who have called
Cappadocia home. We were taken to amazing places, served some of the finest food the
country has to offer, shown the best carpets in the world, and saw master potters at work.
What more could we all ask for?
Chris Hearn
Bilkent News
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