In East Central Turkey exists an impressively large underground city built in the 6th to 7th century. It was originally a complex natural tunnel system used by early Christians to escape persecution and conduct their ceremonies but around the 7th century was turned into an actual underground city by the Persians.
Derinkuyu is the city on the surface, but the city underneath it can house over 3000 people and livestock.
It’s not meant for permanent living, more to shelter citizens or refugees in war or crisis.
The city underneath Derinkuyu does not end there, it connects to further underground cities across the region. The tunnel system goes on and on and is nothing short of magnificent and awe inspiring.
The region has 40 cities with at least 3 layers or more and 200 with at least 2 layers, most of which are connected with each other.
On the second floor is a spacious room with a barrel vaulted ceiling which was used as a religious school and the rooms to the left were studies.Between the third and fourth levels is a vertical staircase.
This passage way leads to a cruciform church on the5th level.
There are kitchens, wine presses, warehouses areas and even a bar.
The city has an underground river, wells and at least 52 ventilation wells.
