Saratli photos
Saratli Underground City
Saratli Underground City in Cappadocia, Turkey
The Saratli Underground City is located in the village of Saratli southeast of Aksaray, in Cappadocia, about 22 km from the city, near the Aksaray - Nevsehir highway. In local tradition the complex is known as Kirkgoz. It was discovered and began to be studied in the 1990s, after which some of the passages were reinforced and opened to visitors.
The exact time of construction is unknown. Based on ceramics and everyday finds, the underground levels are dated to the Late Roman and Byzantine periods. By its layout, it was a refuge and a place of daily life for the residents of the area during times of threat and raids, with zones for storing provisions and cooking, as well as its own sources of water and ventilation.
Today a section comprising several levels with a laid-out route has been prepared for viewing. About 40 rooms connected by corridors are open, among them living quarters and storerooms. Wells and ventilation shafts that provided water and airflow have been preserved. The remaining parts of the complex stay closed and continue to be studied.
A visit is interesting in that it gives a vivid impression of Cappadocia's underground architecture and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. It is a compact site compared with the region's large underground cities, a convenient stop along the road between Aksaray and Nevsehir.
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The Saratli Underground City is located in the village of Saratli southeast of Aksaray, in Cappadocia, about 22 km from the city, near the Aksaray - Nevsehir highway. In local tradition the complex is known as Kirkgoz. It was discovered and began to be studied in the 1990s, after which some of the passages were reinforced and opened to visitors.
The exact time of construction is unknown. Based on ceramics and everyday finds, the underground levels are dated to the Late Roman and Byzantine periods. By its layout, it was a refuge and a place of daily life for the residents of the area during times of threat and raids, with zones for storing provisions and cooking, as well as its own sources of water and ventilation.
Today a section comprising several levels with a laid-out route has been prepared for viewing. About 40 rooms connected by corridors are open, among them living quarters and storerooms. Wells and ventilation shafts that provided water and airflow have been preserved. The remaining parts of the complex stay closed and continue to be studied.
A visit is interesting in that it gives a vivid impression of Cappadocia's underground architecture and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. It is a compact site compared with the region's large underground cities, a convenient stop along the road between Aksaray and Nevsehir.
Low corridors and wells reveal residents' way of life and principles of defense
Corridors, wells, and ventilation of the multi-layered complex
The route runs through low corridors with branches into rooms for different purposes. Niches for lamps, hearths and traces of utility areas, round stone doors that blocked the passages, as well as shafts and wells that linked the levels and provided airflow and water are visible.
The paths are equipped with lighting and signposts, with steps and short climbs in some sections. Inside it is cooler and more humid than outside, so comfortable non-slip footwear and a warm layer are useful. Ceilings are low in places, passages are narrow - take care and mind your head and shoulders.
Nearby are the Ihlara Valley with cave churches and the Selime Monastery, and on the road between Aksaray and Nevsehir stands the Agzikarahan caravanserai - these places are convenient to combine in one day.
The easiest way to reach it is by car from Aksaray along the road to Nevsehir, then follow the sign for Saratli; the entrance to the complex is next to the road, and it has parking.
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