Is derinkuyu still inhabited?

They remain generally unoccupied. More than 200 underground cities of at least two levels have been discovered in the area between Kayseri and Nevsehir. Some 40 of those include three or more levels.

Why did they build derinkuyu?

Derinkuyu This labyrinthine complex dates to around the 8th century B.C. and was most likely built to serve as a refuge during periods of war and invasion.

How many levels is derinkuyu?

Derinkuyu is the largest excavated underground city in Turkey. The complex has a total 11 floors, though many floors have not been excavated.

Why was there an underground city in Turkey?

The idea behind the subterranean cities was to protect the inhabitants from foreign invasion, allowing thousands of people to live their lives in total secrecy. During the 14th century, the caves provided Christians with a safe haven from the threat of the Mongolians during the assaults on Timur.

Who built derinkuyu?

the Phrygians
When was the underground city created? It’s thought that the Derinkuyu underground city was started by the Phrygians, an Indo-European people, in the 8th to 7th centuries BCE. After the population became Christian in Roman times, they began to include chapels in their underground dwellings.

Is derinkuyu real?

Derinkuyu (“deep well”) (Cappadocian Greek: Μαλακοπή) is a town and district of Nevşehir Province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. According to 2010 census, population of the district is 22,114 of which 10,679 live in the town of Derinkuyu.

How big is derinkuyu?

171.8 mi²
Derinkuyu/Area

Who lived in derinkuyu?

It’s thought that the Derinkuyu underground city was started by the Phrygians, an Indo-European people, in the 8th to 7th centuries BCE. After the population became Christian in Roman times, they began to include chapels in their underground dwellings.

Where is Derinkuyu located?

Derinkuyu. Located in Cappadocia, Derinkuyu is notable for its large multi-level underground city ( Derinkuyu Underground City ), which is a major tourist attraction. The historical region of Cappadocia, where Derinkuyu is situated, contains several historical underground cities, carved out of a unique geological formation.

How many people could the underground city of Derinkuyu accommodate?

The underground city at Derinkuyu could be closed from the inside with large stone doors. Each floor could be closed off separately. The city could accommodate up to 20,000 people and had amenities found in other underground complexes across Cappadocia, such as wine and oil presses, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, and chapels.

What is the name of the underground city in Turkey?

A passage in the underground city. The Derinkuyu underground city ( Cappadocian Greek: Μαλακοπή Malakopi; Turkish: Derinkuyu Yeraltı Şehri) is an ancient multi-level underground city in the Derinkuyu district in Nevşehir Province, Turkey, extending to a depth of approximately 85 metres (279 ft).