Uchisar Nevsehir
This is our page with detailed information about Uçhisar, the peak of Cappadocia. Uchisar historical and geographical information
Uçhisar District Nevşehir
Uçhisar, one of the regions that attract the most tourists in Cappadocia, is one of the oldest settlements. Hosting different civilizations for thousands of years, this charming district is home to the iconic Uçhisar Castle, which is known to have been used for defense purposes during raids. This castle, standing tall over the years, serves as a testament to the wars that took place in the region.
History of Uçhisar
Uçhisar is a district that captures attention not only with its geographical beauties but also with its historical past. When you delve into the history of the district, you can see that it dates back to ancient times. In addition to the remnants uncovered through excavations in the region, there are also written works from the Persian period.
In these lands where the Hittite state ruled for many years, numerous remnants belonging to the Hittites can be found. Culturally, the influence of the Hittites is still present.
Being located on trade routes has made Uçhisar and its surroundings of great importance. Consequently, numerous wars occurred among states seeking to control the region. Many traders have passed through the region, which is home to numerous caravanserais.
Uçhisar, which holds significant importance from a religious perspective, witnessed many years of seclusion by religious figures and monks. The caves obtained by carving rocks in the region were used as shelters during attacks. Therefore, despite their small size, churches were generally designed as living spaces.
Starting to Turkify from the 11th century onwards, Turks began to settle in Uçhisar as well. Especially during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, the region, which held great importance, was utilized for defensive purposes.
It is believed that the name Uçhisar comes from the district maintaining its existence as a frontier principality during the Seljuk period. In the 1300s, the district passed to the Ottoman state and was used as the administrative center of the region. In the Republican era, it became attached to Kırşehir. Later, with the establishment of Nevşehir as a province, it became affiliated with Nevşehir.
Uçhisar Population and Area
Nevşehir's one of the small districts in Anatolia, situated only 5 km away, is Ortahisar. Its population is around 4,000. The notable aspect is that, since 1975, the population has increased by only about 60%, according to the conducted censuses. Ortahisar stands at an altitude of 1270 meters, making it one of the highest districts in the region.
Uçhisar Livelihoods
Uçhisar is becoming increasingly popular day by day, and a significant portion of the population earns a living through tourism. There are numerous businesses in the region catering to tourists.
Apart from tourism, there are those who make a living through agriculture. The fertile lands predominantly cultivate grapes, but there are also individuals growing various other agricultural products such as potatoes and chickpeas.
Although livestock is not a major source of livelihood in the region, there are those engaged in small-scale animal husbandry. Various farms can be found, while large-scale animal husbandry remains in the background.