The largest of Cappadocia’s 37 abandoned underground cities, Derinkuyu is a testament to human ingenuity and survival.
In 1963, while renovating his basement, a man stumbled upon a vast network of ancient tunnels that dated back more than 1,500 years. What began as a search for his missing chickens turned into the discovery of Derinkuyu, a sprawling underground metropolis in present-day Turkey.
This volcanic labyrinth, with spaces seemingly designed for human settlement, was hiding right beneath his home.
Derinkuyu: The Heart of Turkey’s Ancient Underground Cities
Derinkuyu, formerly known as Elengubu, is an awe-inspiring archaeological wonder. This vast underground city, reaching over 85 meters below the Earth’s surface, spans 18 levels of tunnels.
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Researchers estimate that it could house up to 20,000 people for extended periods, making it the largest excavated underground city in the world.
Over thousands of years, Derinkuyu changed hands among various civilizations, from the Phrygians to the Persians, and later to the Byzantine Christians. It was eventually abandoned in the 1920s, during the Greco-Turkish War, when the Greeks of Cappadocia fled en masse to Greece.
Interestingly, Derinkuyu may not stand alone. It’s believed that more than 200 smaller underground cities in the region connect to this vast subterranean network.
Why Was The City Built?
Archaeologists speculate that it initially served as storage, but its primary purpose was likely as a refuge from invaders. Its intricate design includes ventilation shafts and protected wells, ensuring survival underground for months.
The city’s precise construction suggests advanced engineering skills. Despite its mysterious origins, researchers have pieced together clues that link its creation to the Hittites around 2000 BCE. Over time, it evolved into an economic and cultural hub.
Derinkuyu isn’t just a marvel of architecture; it’s a glimpse into humanity’s resilience and adaptability. As we uncover its secrets, this ancient city reminds us that the foundations of modern civilization are built upon layers of history waiting to be discovered.
Now, this city one of Cappadocia’s biggest tourist attractions. Who would have thought it all started with some repair work?
This article was originally written in Spanish by Perla Vallejo in Cultura Colectiva
