Underground cities are unique to the Cappadocia region, and one of the unparalleled underground cities is Özlüce Underground City. The number of underground cities in the Cappadocia region is estimated to be over 200. Cappadocia spans approximately 25,000 square kilometers in total. Considering its vast expanse, it is possible to come across an underground city in almost every part of Cappadocia.
The purposes behind the establishment of underground cities with different characteristics are still a subject of debate today. However, there is a general consensus for Özlüce Underground City. It is believed that the people constructed such solutions to protect themselves from attacks on the city. It is thought that they devised this solution to temporarily shield themselves from attacks and continue their lives safely. Defensive underground cities have various unique features, including rooms and floors with distinctive structures. Özlüce underground city is one such underground city located in Nevşehir, exhibiting its own unique features amidst the underground cities of Cappadocia.
Özlüce underground city is located on the Derinkuyu road in the province of Nevşehir, 6 km west of the town of Kaymaklı. Formerly known as Zile, the city is still referred to by this name. Özlüce has a significantly different structure compared to other underground cities, both geologically and architecturally. It is constructed from different types of tuff rocks. The interior has not been fully cleaned, and the city does not have a multi-story system, distinguishing it from other underground cities.
Other underground cities in Cappadocia consist of layered systems. The underground floors serve different purposes. However, it cannot be said that this system is used for Derinkuyu Underground City because it consists of a single floor. This underground city, which is single-story and quite spacious, has an entrance composed of two arched spaces made of basalt. Following this, it is possible to reach the tuff rock through a passage constructed with rubble stones and having a length of approximately 15 meters.
The stones at the entrance of the underground city are much newer compared to the tuff rock. At the end of the main tuff rock, there is a sliding stone with a diameter of approximately 1.5 meters made of granite. When entering the city, the main space encountered is one of the widest areas in the city. The entrance area, being the widest space, is divided into two parts. The right side of the space contains provisions, while the left side includes seating areas. There are cell-type rooms on the sides, and traps are also present in the lower sections. Due to the risk of collapse, it has not been fully cleaned. Therefore, it is not fully open to visits.
The most beautiful underground city, Özlüce underground city, is located in the village of Özlüce within Cappadocia. The village’s old name is Zile, and it is a typical Greek village, both small and charming. Despite the mix of old Greek houses and new buildings in the village, the warmth of the Greek houses is always felt. Tourists often visit Özlüce Village, especially to see the Church of the Holy Apostles.
Özlüce village used to have a significant Greek population when its name was “Zelia.” However, in later times, the name changed to “Zile.” In ancient times, Özlüce village was one of the holiest places in the region, especially during the Persian domination. In the early 1900s, with the arrival of Turks to the village, a mixed community was formed. At that time, there were 350 Greek houses compared to only 20 Turkish houses. It is even said that Turks used to work in the vineyards of Greeks to make a living during those times. Currently, Özlüce village has 300 houses and a total population of around 2000 people. Özlüce Underground City is also located here, featuring cell-type rooms and a unique structure without multiple levels. It is a city divided into two parts, living rooms, and provisions depots. Due to the risk of collapses, it is not possible to visit or enter the underground city. It has not yet been opened for public visits.
ned to visitors yet.
Cappadocia trips are incomplete without visiting the underground cities, which are among the most fascinating and eagerly explored sites for everyone. Each underground city has its unique features and beauties. There are a whopping 200 underground cities in the Cappadocia region alone. Therefore, it becomes nearly impossible not to explore and see these underground cities. Almost all the underground cities in Cappadocia are formed by carving into soft volcanic tuff downwards. While larger ones are referred to as underground cities, smaller ones are called underground villages, even though they can accommodate approximately 30,000 people.
Özlüce underground city is one of the extensive underground cities with distinctive features that set it apart from others. There are various underground cities in Cappadocia, such as Kaymaklı underground city, Öz Konak underground city, Derinkuyu, Acıgöl, and Tatlarin, each with its unique characteristics and a special place within.
Visiting these underground cities is a must for anyone exploring the enchanting region of Cappadocia.
Underground city is characterized by its intriguing features, including provisions depots, kitchens, and seating areas. One of the most fascinating areas in this multi-story city is the copper processing workshop, located on the 4th floor. The advanced production and processing areas highlight the considerable effort put into work in this city. There are numerous sections to explore within the city, making it the widest and, consequently, believed to have the largest population among other underground cities. It holds a significant place among the underground cities of Cappadocia.
The questions like “What is Derinkuyu like?” are often asked by those curious about underground cities. Derinkuyu Underground City is one of the most advanced cities of its kind. Located in Nevşehir, it is situated 29 km away from the city center. This city, consisting of a total of 8 floors, reaches a depth of 85 meters, making it of significant importance due to its substantial size. It even includes a missionary school within its depths, suggesting it was designed for long-term habitation.
One of the intriguing features of Derinkuyu is the ventilation shafts that descend to about 55 meters deep. Derinkuyu underground city is open to visitors. The legend of Derinkuyu underground city is certainly one of the noteworthy underground cities worth exploring.
To reach Özlüce underground city, many buses and minibuses departing from the center, especially those heading to Kaymaklı village, can be preferred. In addition, it is possible to reach this region by private vehicles. However, it is not possible to visit the interior of the underground city due to the risk of collapses. It is located on the Nevşehir-Niğde highway, approximately 29 km away from Nevşehir.
As of now, Özlüce underground city has not been completely cleared, and due to the risk of collapses, it has not been opened to visitors.
In Cappadocia, there is a great curiosity about the largest underground city among many underground cities. Kaymaklı underground city is thought to have a much greater capacity to accommodate the population compared to other cities, making it the widest underground city. The interesting rooms within it also support this assumption. Discovered near the Nevşehir Castle in the center of Nevşehir, the underground city area is identified as Turkey’s largest underground city, and the cleaning process is still ongoing. Partial sections are open for visitors, making it suitable for exploration.
Where is Ozluce Underground City Map
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derinkuyu_underground_city
Ozluce Underground City Photos
