Ozkonak underground city, one of Cappadocia’s underground cities, was built centuries ago on the northern slopes of Mount İdis, within a valley where the tuff layer is most dense. The soft nature of the formed layer initially served to protect people from both cold and heat. Later on, it aimed to protect them from the prevalent threat of looting. To shield themselves from wars and invasions, people started carving deep into the ground, revealing these underground cities. With the increase in population, they began carving deeper hollows, descending into lower layers. The volcanic tuff layer has also contributed to the formation of numerous mounds and cave structures in the vicinity of this underground city.
Cappadocia Ozkonak underground city is one of the regions where civilizations are hidden beneath the Cappadocian soil. It possesses a structure that differs significantly from others, featuring long and narrow tunnels that facilitate communication between floors. Similar to Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı underground cities, Özkonak also has ventilation shafts. There is a well, a wine cellar, and sliding stones that close the entrances. Long and narrow holes, carved almost imperceptibly thin for communication purposes, can be found throughout the city. Even with today’s technology, the air permeability of these holes cannot be clearly understood. The secret of their capillary air permeability remains unsolved.
The Ozkonak underground city museum was opened to visitors in 1972. However, the entire city has not yet been completely cleaned. It was once said that each house in the surrounding villages was connected to this underground city through tunnels, but over time, natural events such as floods caused these tunnels to be filled with soil. The underground city is built with four levels, resembling an apartment building. At its entrance, there are stables for easy access by animals. Devices are carved into the walls for tying ropes. As you descend to the lower levels, rooms are formed, including four large halls and ten small rooms. Some of these rooms are used as cellars, while others are used for storage. Different rooms are designated for extended families and nuclear families. Hunting holes, created to control entrances, are also present.
In addition to the rooms, the underground city features eight wells and three ventilation shafts. There are four tombs and storage rooms with jars inside the city. The distance between the entrance and exit is approximately 10 km. The lowest part of the city has narrow tunnels where only one person can progress at a time. Although not fully cleaned yet, it is understood that the city extends to large areas based on what has been cleaned. Parts connected by interconnected tunnels are open to visitors, serving as a museum. The underground city, used as a museum, is a must-visit destination.
Özkonak underground city is believed to have been built around the 4th century BC. The region’s natural structure, conducive to carving and shaping, made it suitable for such constructions. In ancient times, people were able to meet their housing needs easily due to the ease of carving these structures. These underground spaces also served as excellent storage for food.
According to the studies of archaeologists, the Ozkonak region was used as the residence of principalities in the Tabal, a federation of 24 principalities, during the Late Hittite period. Later, it became part of the territories of the Persians and, in the Hellenistic period, the Romans. It is said that the temple of Zeus was located here. Following the Roman period, the region was captured by the Byzantines, leading to the migration of the first christians to this area. To escape the frequent Arab invasions, they settled in the vicinity of Ozkonak. Under the leadership of Saint Basil, they carved rocks to establish a new city for themselves. Strabo, known as the world’s first geographer, mentions in the 12th book, page 538 of his work, that there is a bishop’s tomb in a place called the hill above Avanos and talks about the ruins of an ancient temple. According to his book, this place is dedicated to Zeus.
Ozkonak underground city welcomes visitors separately during the summer and winter seasons, hosting a significant number of daily visitors. In the summer season, the daily average number of visitors exceeds 500. The underground city is located in the Nevsehir province, and its distance to the provincial center is approximately 35 km. Connected to Avanos, this underground city holds great importance due to its various features, mysteries, and legends. With its historical traces and distinctive characteristics, it captures the attention of many people, attracting both local and international tourists. The city, located within Avanos, is a must-visit destination, gaining significant importance in terms of tourism.
Underground city is located approximately 14 km away from Avanos. People interested in visiting Ozkonak underground city often wonder about the directions. Visitors can reach the underground city by using their own vehicles. By following the Nevsehir – Avanos road towards Ozkonak, it is possible to reach the underground city. For those who prefer public transportation, tour buses from the city center can be a suitable option. Using tour buses, visitors can reach the town of Ozkonak and then proceed to the underground city by private vehicles. Transportation with tour buses is usually an affordable option.
Underground city is located approximately 14 km away from Avanos. People interested in visiting Ozkonak underground city often wonder about the directions. Visitors can reach the underground city by using their own vehicles. By following the Nevsehir – Avanos road towards ozkonak, it is possible to reach the underground city. For those who prefer public transportation, tour buses from the city center can be a suitable option. Using tour buses, visitors can reach the town of Ozkonak and then proceed to the underground city by private vehicles. Transportation with tour buses is usually an affordable option.
Ozkonak underground city has an entrance fee, and visitors can access the underground city as a museum with this fee. Visits can be made at any desired time during both summer and winter hours. During the summer months, visits can be made between 08:00 and 19:00, while in the winter months, visits are possible between 08:00 and 17:00. The entrance fee for the year 2023 is set at 50 TL.
Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to the closed hours during holidays. On the first day of religious holidays, Özkonak underground city is closed until 13:00, according to the decision of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey. By considering these hours, visits can be arranged within the specified time frames. Moreover, Ozkonak underground city is also open to visitors with the Museum Pass. People with a Museum Pass can visit twice a year, and those with a Museum Pass Plus can enjoy unlimited visits.
Where is Özkonak Underground City Guide Map
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Özkonak_Underground_City
Derinkuyu underground city is known as the largest underground city in the world, and it is connected to various underground cities of different sizes in the region. Recent research has not revealed a direct connection between Özkonak and Derinkuyu underground cities. However, it is speculated that there are tunnels between the two underground cities. If you have visited Avanos and explored Özkonak underground city, you should definitely not miss Derinkuyu underground city before leaving. There is approximately a 10 km distance between them. If you have a museum card, you can visit Derinkuyu Underground city for free. The underground city is open from 08:00 to 17:00. Instead of exploring alone, you may consider joining a guided tour to eliminate the risk of getting lost.
Özkonak is a town with its own municipality in terms of settlement. The town of Özkonak is affiliated with the Avanos district, which is in the central Nevşehir province. With its underground city and tourist attractions, Özkonak attracts a large number of foreign visitors. The distance between Özkonak and Nevsehir’s Avanos district is approximately 14 km.
The underground city located in the Ozkonak town, affiliated with the Avanos district of Nevsehir, consists of four floors. Although not every part of the four-story underground city has been cleaned, many areas are interconnected through tunnels. The part corresponding to the 4th floor of the underground city appears to be reached through a very narrow tunnel, and it is believed that this section was used as a prison in the past.
Özkonak Underground City Guide Photos
Özkonak Underground City is like a place of mysteries and secrecy.
Ozkonak underground city museum was opened to visitors in 1972