The Assyrian cuneiform tablets (Cappadocia Tablets) which were found in Kultepe (Kanes), indicate that many trade colonies were founded by the Assyrians in Cappadocia toward the end of the Third Millenium B.C.

Hatties and Luvies formed city states in Cappadocia, followed by the Hittites, Frigians, Persians, Alexander the Great, Romans, The Byzantine Empire; Selcuk Turks, Ottoman Turks and modern Turkey. Cappadocia was also one of the earliest centers of Christianity.

There are 1000 churches, chapels and cells carved into tufa rocks in Cappadocia. These structures from the middle Byzantine period are in Goreme, Guzelyurt, Ihlara, Soganlidere, Mustafapasa, Zelve, Konakli and Kaymakli regions. Ihlara Valley attracts attention thanks to the variety of structures and frescoes. In addition to the cave churches, the 6th century Andaval Basilika, which is 9 km from Nigde, the 5th centuryVirgin Mary Church in Tomarza Town, Ucayak Church near Taburoglu Village in Kirsehir (10th-11th century), and the Karagedik Church in the Ihlara Valley, are some of the independent Christian structures.

This area is also famous for the many amazing underground cities. Carved and connected with wells and corridors, they resemble huge underground apartment complexes, which accommodated thousands of people. The most important underground cities are Kaymakli, Ozkonak and Derinkuyu. Derinkuyu was highlighted on the Travel Channel’s premiere program of “Bizarre Worlds with Andrew Zimmern,” and featured Bora Ozkok as guide.

The Goreme Outdoor Museum, A world Heritage Site, is nestled among mystical fairy chimneys in the Goreme Valley. The museum features many once hidden carved churches, monasteries, convents and chapels revealed as a result of structural erosion. The most important churches in the museum with frescoes are Elmali, Karanlik, Carikli, Tokali, Sakli, Yilanli, Elnazar and St. Barbara.

Also in the Goreme Valley, Cappadocia Cave Suites had been used as a hayloft, barn and shelter by local people until 1980. At the end of 1990, restoration work started without damaging the historical and original cave shapes. In 2001, Cappadocia Cave Suites opened with 18 suites, retaining the history and old-world charm by blending antiques and local handicrafts with modern conveniences. The hotel will offer 38 uniquely decorated suites by the second half of 2009.