9 July 2012-- The Underground City of Kaymakli

During the 6th and 7th centuries, Christian residents of Cappadocia faced attacks by Turks and Persians. When warned of pending attacks, they would flee to the hills. Kaymakli housed 3000 residents for months on end. The section we visited had 4 layers: an area for storing food; an area that was for living quarters and tombs; a church (complete with apse and altar); and a kitchen. The air shafts were disguised as wells.

Bazaar on the way to the entrance of the Underground City. 

The entrance to the Underground City.

Here Arda tells us about the tunnels were are about to enter. 

It is difficult to imagine the fortitude these people had, living months at a time with no natural light, in these very cramped conditions. I certainly have renewed respect for those early Christians who gave up a tremendous amount to preserve their faith.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location: Nevşehir Niğde Yolu,Kaymaklı Underground City,Turkey

9 July 2012-- A stop at a Caravanserai...

After leaving Konya this morning, we drove northeast towards Cappadocia. Our first stop of the morning accomplished two missions: (1) a coffee and comfort stop (and some souvenir shopping); and (2) a visit to a caravanserai.









A caravanserai was basically a truck stop for traders on camels. Located about 15-22 km apart, these structures served as a mosque and a place of lodging. The Sultanhani Caravanserai was built in 1229.

Behind the mosque was a large central room. This could be used for lodging in the winter. 

In the center of the courtyard was a mosque. To the left of the mosque were larger cells where camels could rest. On the right were smaller cells.

In the center of the room is a dome that allows some light into the interior.

Intricate detail above the entry gate. 

I am on guard duty....

This looks toward the entry gate.

This is a view from under the mosque into the courtyard.

From the entry gate into the courtyard. That is the mosque in the center...

I could not help but hum the big band classic "Caravan" by Duke Ellington. One can only imagine the types of goods passing through these gates during the time of great caravans moving between Turkey and eastern Asia.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location: Konya Aksaray Yolu,Sultanhanı,Turkey

8 July 2012-- A visit to Konya, the capital of the Selçuks

After a 4 hour drive from Pamukkale and a lunch stop, we drove another hour to Konya, once the capital of the Selçuks (Seljuks). We visited the museum of Rumi, a 13th century poet and mystic. Below is the mosque that has been converted into a crypt for men of the Whirling Dervishes.







Below is a panel in a courtyard with passages of Rumi's works.

This is a view of a neighboring mosque. In the foreground is an inner courtyard, with a fountain of absolution, and along the outer walls were small rooms. Monks lived here. These chambers now contain displays about the dervishes.

This is another view of the museum.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Yeni Sille Cd,Konya,Turkey

8 July 2012-- life, 9000 years ago

After the museum of Rumi, we drove about an hour outside Konya to Çatalhüyük, the site of a neolithic settlement.



At one time, this area was in the middle of a marsh, with reeds, dates, and wild birds. It is now a plain.

This is Abraham (left), our guide through the site. 

This is the mother goddess found on the site.

This pottery looks very much like Catawba Indian pottery from South Carolina. The coloring is very similar. 

... a map of the site...

... a reproduction of the drawings found on the site... 

... the dig....























- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Çatalhüyük

7 July 2012-- Aphrodisias

After our school visit and another delicious lunch, we visited the ruins of the city of Aphrodisias.

There is a very large amphitheater ....

... a Bouleuterion...

and a large stadium that could seat 30,000. This end had been converted into a gladiator arena.
























This is the large monumental gateway.


















I am facing the Temple of Aphrodite.











The professor who excavated this site was buried here.














This is a fragment of a mosaic located in the museum.

















I could not resist... from David Letterman.... "Hair Piece/Not a Hair Piece?"...















This is a statue of Aphrodite. A cult for this goddess grew around here.














This is the bust of a goddess from the Roman Bath here.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Aphrodisias