Cappadocia: Land of Beautiful Horses

CAPPADOCIA, which means 'Land of beautiful horses', is such a unique holiday resort due to Mother Nature's overwhelming generosity. The volcano eruptions whose lava and ashes have long ago been swept away and the land now shaped by rivers, streams, rain, snow and ice. Erosion has created an unsurpassed supernatural landscape. But, Cappadocia's well-deserved reputation as a wonderful place to visit stems also from its people who welcome you so generously.

Being strategically placed on the cross-roads of major communication and trading routes like the SILK ROAD, CAPPADOCIA was also home to many different civilizations over the centuries, beginning with the Hittite empire.
The caves and easily carved rock canyons and peaks which afforded efficient protection from predatory animals and invaders, attracted many people to settle in the region. The mild climate also incited many to come here. Among them were the early Christians who even received a visit from Saint Paul.

These people left a legacy of frescoed, rock-hewn churches and chapels hidden away in the many valleys, complex subterranean cities and cave dwellings carved out of the rocks. The many caravansarais and medreses are testimony to later empires such as the Seljuks.The mixing of these various cultures has built up a rich tradition of fine workmanship in handicrafts such you can still see today in the pottery of Avanos or the hand-made village carpets.

Pottery-making existed here as early as the Hittite period. And carpet-weaving was brought in by the Turk invaders. Quality wine-making under the golden Cappadocia sun has also long been a traditional occupation. Many inhabitants still make their living from agriculture which ensures Turkey's self-sufficiency in terms of food. The fruit orchards, the neatly tilled fields of squash or other vegetables and the vineyards also add color and diversity to the landscapes.  Cappadocia exports much of this produce such as dried apricots, grapes, plums, apples. Its wine has often been acclaimed in international competitions.With such a garden on its doorstep, it's just natural that Cappadocian homes and restaurants offer an infinite variety of tempting dishes such as Çomlek Kebap, Tık Tık Mantı, Peravu Hamur, Apakla (Kuru Fasulye) and Guveç. Perhaps you will have an opportunity to be welcomed into one of the homes. If not, you will certainly be able to enjoy your meal in one of numerous restaurants also offering Anatolian folklore music and dance performances by local groups in traditional costumes.

So we invite you to plunge deep into the Cappadocian culture: its people, food, music and handicrafts as well as taking in its landscape and vistas. You will find it as difficult as many who have come before you to leave this enchanting place. But we will be here to welcome you again very soon.
Urgup, located in the very heart of Cappadocia, is an ideal place to choose as your operational base for daily excursions throughout the region. 

For more information about Cappadocia, you can send email to:
info@agratravel.com