___ This second unlocked memory takes us to a country I thought for years I would never ever visit, being for me too unsafe, maybe not trustworthy enough for the Westerner I am. What a terrible mistake I made ! Turkey literally blew my mind , and I was amazed by the wondrous historical sites and the archeological riches that are found in this modern country, politically speaking, but known for centuries as a bridge between Europe and Asia.Last but not least, the Turks are one of the nicest, most helpful, welcoming and peaceful peoples I've ever met...
____ The little city of Uçhisar that you can see here is found in the region of Cappadocia, at the heart and very center of Turkey, and is famous for its numerous painted cliff houses, cut in tuff, a somewhat powdery rock that lends itself to carving and building houses, ermitages and most of the early Christian churches are still found at the very heart of the neighbouring mountains in underground networks of corridors, oratories, dormitories, dining rooms and sewage systems carved within those mountains, just like here in Uçhisar! In the centre of the town there is an underground gallery, which extends for about 100 metres underneath some houses. It was cut in tuff in earlier times and probably served as a link from the fortress at the top of the mountain (out of focus here)to the outside world and to protect the inhabitants' water supply. After being empty for decades, these cliff houses are nowadays refurbished and inhabited again, by the natives and also by some Turks of the diaspora who have saved enough money abroad to afford and rehabilitate them, when they come back home for keeps.
____ Thank you so much for your supportive comments on my latest Swiss photo, have a nice week and above all, take good care of yourselves, while staying safe...
____ Please zoom in for more details and larger scope !