The triangularly shaped region in the midst of the country, is the Central Anatolian Region; the heart of Turkey. A different world in this distinct country is this wide plateau with all its extraordinary motifs and attributes.
Witnessing the earliest times of humanity originating back to Paleolithic and Neolithic ages and this region constitutes a real cradle of civilizations. History, lively stands here, beginning from Catalhoyuk, near Konya, with its remains from the oldest settlements of mud houses and simple constructions; to the capital of today’s Turkey, Ankara, with its modern blocks, buildings and facilities. This city of administration is yet a further midpoint of this central region and giving it strategic significance besides the historical and geographical importance.
From Ancient Cities to Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys
The tawny-yellow field dominating in Central Anatolian Region, is decorated with natural figures of outstanding beauty. Here are the extinct volcanoes Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan, which once had violently erupted and covered the surrounding area with tuff. Eroded by wind and rain, these formed spectacular landscapes of rock cones and capped pinnacles of Goreme, near Nevsehir. Known as Cappadocia in Roman times, this place is one of the rare regions in the world with its original ground of various colors ranging from red tones to greys. As charming and interesting as this district, are the underground cities of Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu, on the way to Nigde. With their hidden rooms and tunnels the broad lakes of Tuz and Beysehir, complement the scenery of Central Anatolia and give a different feature to this extensive land.
Embrace contrasts in Central Anatolia
Typical of this geography, a climate of dry, sunny summers, and cold winters with rain and snow, rules over the region and increasing the temperature differences between day and night, and from season to season. Wheat fields are spread all over the land, in correspondence with the climatic features, while gardens and vineyards are present for picking apples and grapes.
For those who would like to make a trip to this diversified region, options are certainly far too much. Come and see the fascinating views of beautiful valleys, such as Ihlara. If you want to ski down the slopes of snowy mountains, Mounts Erciyes and llgaz are here to go. Visit Konya, a cultural center of many centuries, with its mosques and ‘Whirling Dervishes’. Old Hittite Anatolian cities wait for you to wander around. The choice is yours, although it is recommended to see them all.