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  CAPPADOCIA
Where is Cappadocia ?
Formation of Fairy Chimneys
Undeground Settlements
Kaymakli Underground City
Derinkuyu Underground City
Mazı Underground City
Özkonak Underground City
Tatlarin Underground City
Ihlara Valley
Goreme
Uçhisar
Cavusin
Avanos
Zelve
Urgup
Ortahisar
Mustafapasa (Sinasos)
Nevsehir
Gülsehir
Hacibektas
Civil Architecture
MAZI UNDERGROUND CITY
 

CAPPADOCIA MAZI UNDERGROUND CITY

The village of Mazi, named "Mazata" in ancient time, is 18 km south of Ürgüp and 10 km east of Kaymakli Underground City. On the steep slopes of the valley there are rock tombs dating back to the Early Roman Era, whereas on the plateau there are tombs in great number dating back to the Byzantine Period.

 

CAPPADOCIA MAZI UNDERGROUND CITY

The underground city was hollowed out on the west slope of the village, which is situated in the steep valley. Four entrances have been discovered in different places and the main entrance is a corridor made from rough-hewn stones. The places with columns, opposite the entrance, are the stables. The stables, covering a large area of the underground settlement are the same as the others. However, the presence of a trough, hollowed out of rock, in the middle of one of the stables is a feature that makes this underground settlement different from the others.

The great number of stables indicates that many animals were raised; therefore, the people had a high economic standard. The place between the stables was used as a winery. On the ceiling there is a hole made of rubble stone used to drop grapes. A short passage starting from the stables leads to the church. The entrance to this place can be closed with a millstone door. Unlike the church in the Kaymakli Underground City, the apse was hollowed out at the end of the long side and its facade was decorated with carvings.

 
© 2009, Anahita , Cappadocia , TURKEY ( Site Index )