The exact date of construction of these unique structures none of the scientists can not determine, archaeologists are inclined to the period of 16-12 centuries BC. The underground cities of Cappadocia were used for the needs of the army of Alexander the Great, here the Hittites found shelter from Thracian soldiers, Christians from Roman troops, as well as the inhabitants of the neighbouring territories were saved from the invasion of the Arabs.
The cities are buildings not on the ground, but underground. There are about two hundred of them and each is characterised by its uniqueness. One can descend into the city by means of a narrow tunnel. Each such entrance was carefully camouflaged and closed with large cobblestones.
Underground cities are dwellings underground with many rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, food storage, as well as schools, chapels, churches. There are rooms with a series of columns that divide it into several parts. Connecting them were long corridors and tunnels. There are lower floors in the city, which can be reached by steps that are carved out of the rock. Even lower down there are ventilation shafts that supply air to the city, which border the groundwater from which water was drawn like a well.
The towns began to be explored in the 30s of the 20th century. They have their names Ozkonak, Mazykuyu, Tatlarin and others. Now only two cities - Derenkuyu and Kaymakly - are open for tourists. During excavations, a large number of household items were found, which belong to different time epochs. Scientists' calculations showed that the underground cities of Cappadocia could accommodate about 50 thousand people and livestock. The animals were kept in special pens with a feeding trough.
