Nevşehir

Nevşehir, a city in Turkey's Central Anatolia Region, serves as the primary gateway to the captivating region of Cappadocia. Its name, meaning "new city" in Turkish, belies a history stretching back some 5,000 years, with evidence of early settlements from the Bronze Age. Situated on a high plateau at an elevation of 1,224 meters, Nevşehir offers a blend of modern Turkish life and ancient traditions.

The city itself, while a provincial capital, is often a transit point for travelers drawn to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia. However, Nevşehir and its immediate surroundings hold their own significant historical and geological wonders, including a recently discovered subterranean city beneath its very heart. From its distinctive volcanic terrain, shaped by millions of years of erosion, to its deep-rooted cultural heritage, Nevşehir provides a compelling starting point for exploring one of Turkey's most unique destinations.

Nevşehir Province is recognized for its iconic "fairy chimneys"—eroded tuff formations—rock-cut churches, and extensive subterranean cities. These sites, particularly Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, drawing millions of visitors annually.

From Ancient Nissa to Ottoman Nevşehir

The earliest known settlement in the Nevşehir area was called Nissa, founded by the Hittites on the slopes of Mount Kahveci. This region, part of ancient Cappadocia, has a history spanning approximately five millennia, with artifacts from the Early Bronze Age (3000-2000 BCE) found in the Civelek Cave in Gülşehir.

Over the centuries, the land changed hands many times, experiencing the rule of the Assyrian Empire around the 8th century BCE, followed by the Medes and then the Persians in 546 BCE. After Alexander the Great defeated the Persians, the area eventually came under the control of the Roman Empire. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Nevşehir was known as Neapolis, meaning "New City" in Greek. The castle on the hill in the center of Nevşehir dates from the Byzantine era, a time when the region was a frontier in conflicts against the Islamic Caliphate.

In 1071 CE, the Seljuk Turks, led by Sultan Alp Arslan, defeated the Byzantine emperor at the Battle of Manzikert, leading to Seljuk control over much of Anatolia by 1074. Nevşehir became part of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. Later, it was ruled by the Karamanid dynasty in 1328 before finally becoming part of the Ottoman Empire around 1487 CE, at which point its name was changed to Muşkara.

Muşkara remained a small village until the early 18th century when it underwent a significant transformation. Damat İbrahim Pasha, a Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed III and a native of Muşkara, initiated its development. He oversaw the construction of new mosques, including the Kurşunlu Mosque, as well as fountains, schools, soup kitchens, inns, and bathhouses. It was during this period, around 1725, that the village's name was officially changed from Muşkara to "Nevşehir," meaning "New City" in Persian and Ottoman Turkish, a name still used today.

In modern times, Nevşehir became a district within the province of Niğde after the Turkish Republic's proclamation in 1923. It was granted independent provincial status on July 20, 1954. A significant discovery occurred in 2015 when a gigantic subterranean city was found beneath the city center, adding another layer to Nevşehir's already profound history.

Nevşehir serves as a central point for exploring the wonders of Cappadocia. The region is renowned for its hot air balloon rides at sunrise, offering sweeping views of the unique landscape. A visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum is essential, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing rock-cut churches and monasteries with well-preserved Byzantine frescoes from the 10th to 12th centuries.

Explore the subterranean cities, such as Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, which were carved by early Christian communities seeking refuge. Uçhisar Castle, the tallest fairy chimney in Cappadocia, provides exceptional 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys and rock formations. The Nevşehir Castle and Underground City beneath it offer a unique opportunity to explore rock-cut dwellings and tunnels within the city limits.

Other notable attractions include the Güvercinlik Valley (Pigeon Valley), known for its pigeon houses carved into the rocks and hiking trails. The Nevşehir Museum houses folkloric artifacts and exhibits on traditional Cappadocian life. The nearby towns of Avanos and Ürgüp also offer unique experiences, with Avanos being a center for pottery making since the Hittite period.

The most pleasant times to visit Nevşehir and the Cappadocia region are during late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October). During these months, temperatures are agreeably warm, ranging from 11°C to 19°C (52°F to 66°F), making it comfortable for exploring ancient sites and outdoor activities. Summers (June-August) are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), while winters (December-February) are cold and snowy, with average temperatures around 0°C (32°F). While the snowy landscape in winter can be evocative, some coastal hotels close, and certain activities might be less comfortable. May is typically the month with the most rainfall.

Nevşehir is approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) from Ankara, Turkey's capital, and about 750 kilometers (466 miles) from Istanbul. Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) serves the region, providing air connections for travelers. For getting around within Nevşehir and Cappadocia, local buses, minibuses, and taxis are available. Many bus companies offer tickets that include a transfer from Nevşehir's main bus terminal to smaller towns like Göreme or Ürgüp.

Accommodation options in Nevşehir range from modern hotels to restored stone houses, offering a practical base for exploration. While renowned cave hotels are more concentrated in neighboring villages like Çavuşin, Uçhisar, and Ürgüp, some sophisticated resorts can be found on the outskirts of Nevşehir. When visiting, consider trying local dishes like testi kebabı (pottery kebab) and gözleme, often found in local restaurants.