5000-Year Old Underground City in Nevşehir, Turkey

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In summary, a previously unknown underground city containing buildings, hidden churches, and water channels was discovered in the Turkish town of Nevsehir, known for its unique rock formations. The city, located in the Cappadocia region, is estimated to be 5,000 years old and was discovered by archaeologists on December 28. This discovery adds another reason to visit Turkey and explore its rich history.
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https://gma.yahoo.com/inside-mysterious-underground-city-thats-5-000-years-015200376--abc-news-topstories.html
The discovery of a previously unknown ancient city came as a late Christmas present for archaeologists in Turkey when they made a major find on Dec. 28.

A series of ruins that contain buildings, hidden churches and water channels was found in the Turkish town of Nevsehir, which is known for 'fairy chimney' rock formations.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/inside-mysterious-underground-city-5000-years/story?id=27963927

Nevşehir, formerly Muşkara, is a city and the capital district of Nevşehir Province in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Nevşehir includes the area called Cappadocia.
 
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What is the 5000-Year Old Underground City in Nevşehir, Turkey?

The 5000-Year Old Underground City in Nevşehir, Turkey is an extensive network of subterranean tunnels, rooms, and cities that were carved into the soft volcanic rock of Cappadocia region in central Turkey. It is believed to have been used as a shelter and defense system by the ancient Hittites, and later occupied by other civilizations such as the Phrygians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.

How big is the 5000-Year Old Underground City in Nevşehir, Turkey?

The exact size of the 5000-Year Old Underground City is unknown, but it is estimated to cover an area of over 10 square kilometers. So far, only a small portion of the underground city has been excavated and opened to the public.

Why was the 5000-Year Old Underground City built underground?

The underground city was built underground for several reasons. The soft volcanic rock of the Cappadocia region was easily carved and provided a natural shelter from the harsh climate and enemy invasions. The underground location also allowed for better defense and concealment of the city's inhabitants.

How were the underground tunnels and rooms created?

The tunnels and rooms of the underground city were created by hand using simple tools such as hammers, chisels, and picks. The soft volcanic rock was easy to carve and the builders used the natural cracks and crevices in the rock to create a complex network of interconnected rooms and tunnels.

Can visitors explore the entire underground city?

No, only a small portion of the underground city has been excavated and opened to the public. The rest of the underground city is still being researched and excavated by archaeologists. Visitors are only allowed to explore designated areas with the guidance of a tour guide.

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