Turkey: The Magic Experience of Visiting The Underground Cities in Turkey

The Magic Experience of Visiting The Underground Cities in Turkey

World Curriculum/Elementary Classes - by Ms. Mila Vasconcelos

When I first arrived in Cappadocia on a cold December morning in 2023, I was greeted by Osman, a Turkish manager who amazed me with his enthusiasm for learning languages — including Portuguese, which made me feel right at home! My first glimpse of Cappadocia set the tone for an unforgettable journey. At the Vineyard Cave Hotel, where I stayed, every corner — from the stone-carved entrance to the cozy rooms — felt like stepping into an old cave. After the long drive from Izmir, a rejuvenating Turkish bath helped me relax and prepare for my adventure.

Cappadocias' hotel rooftop, with an incredible view of the fairy chimneys in the background

The rooftop of the hotel offered a view I can only describe as magical. Imagine fairy chimneys standing proudly under the clouds, surrounded by carved houses and hotels. It was one of those moments where you have to blink to convince yourself it’s real. With a chill breeze settling in, I ended my first day by savoring a traditional clay pot meal, warming both body and soul.

A must-try culinary experience in Cappadocia is Testi Kebab, a traditional clay pot dish. Meat, vegetables, and spices are sealed inside a clay pot and slow-cooked to perfection. The unique part? The pot is cracked open at the table, releasing the rich aroma of the tender, flavorful stew inside.

The next morning brought a bit of disappointment: strong winds meant my dream hot air balloon ride was canceled again. Instead of dwelling on it, I decided to explore what Cappadocia holds on the ground. One fascinating discovery was the rock tombs, a burial tradition from the Roman period, believed to bring the soul closer to the sky before its descent underground for judgment. These tombs, carved into high rock blocks, were intricate with one or more rooms, personal items placed near the deceased, and decorative bas-reliefs telling the stories of their lives.

As I walked further, I encountered another curiosity: pigeon houses carved into cliffs, in a location that was obviously named Pigeon Valley! These structures once played a crucial role, as locals used pigeon droppings to fertilize their vineyards. Sitting at the edge of the valley, I felt deeply connected to the history of those who lived in harmony with their environment for so many centuries.

The highest point of my journey was exploring the underground city of Derinkuyu. Despite my initial hesitation about descending into narrow, windowless passageways, I found myself captivated by the craftsmanship and the thought of how entire communities once lived there. The underground city featured living quarters, storage rooms, and even a classroom! Discovering a space dedicated to learning during times of war and hardship resonated deeply with me as a teacher.

This experience reminded me that architecture is a powerful cultural expression—shaped by necessity, creativity, and the resources of the land. Until 1970, many locals in Cappadocia still lived in these caves, a testament to their resilience and connection to their heritage. Now, these spaces are preserved for the world to explore and appreciate.

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Back To The Art Room, What Do We Do?

Back in my classroom, I couldn’t wait to bring this experience to life for my students. We embarked on a collaborative project to design and build our own underground city, inspired by Cappadocia. Using construction paper, scissors, and a lot of imagination, my students created miniature homes, tunnels, and shared spaces. Some included slides instead of staircases, while others prioritized access to food, water, and fire. One student even added a secret room for treasure!

As we combined individual projects into a larger city, the students observed how their creations came together, solving logistical challenges like sharing resources. This activity sparked their creativity, and also meaningful conversations about cultural adaptation and the way of living of ancient civilizations.

I could see how excited every student was while presenting their designs, explaining the choices they made and the challenges they overcame. I promised them (and now you!) to share their projects and reflections in my upcoming blog post, complete with pictures of their creations and more details about how this activity unfolded.

Below you can take a look at the entire lesson:

Lesson Plan: Designing Your Own Underground City

Duration: 2-3 class periods (55 minutes each)

Grade Level: Grades 3 – 6

Resources/Materials:

• Construction paper (variety of colors)

• Scissors

• Glue

• Markers/pencils

• Cardboard or sturdy base material

• Rulers

• Images and videos of Cappadocia’s underground cities for reference

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Instructions (Step-by-Step):

1. Introduce the Concept (15 minutes)

   • Share a presentation or video about Cappadocia’s underground cities, highlighting their purpose, design, and cultural significance.

   • Facilitate a discussion with questions like:

     • "Why do you think people needed to live underground?"

     • "What challenges and opportunities would living underground create?"

2. Sketch the Plan (20 minutes)

   • Have students brainstorm and sketch their underground city, focusing on key features like living spaces, food storage, water access, and safety mechanisms.

   • Encourage creativity with optional elements like community spaces or play areas.

3. Create the 3D Model (1-2 periods)

   • Guide students in using construction paper to build their designs.

   • Demonstrate folding, cutting, and layering techniques to create walls, tunnels, and rooms.

   • Ensure students add thoughtful details like furniture or protective features.

4. Collaborate to Build a City (30 minutes)

   • Combine individual projects to create a larger underground city.

   • Discuss how the various designs fit together and address challenges like resource sharing or protection.

5. Reflect and Share (15 minutes)

   • Students present their designs to the class, explaining their thought processes and how they address challenges.

   • Encourage peer feedback, focusing on creative solutions and design strengths.

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Why this is a culturally responsive activity?

This project connects students with a unique cultural and historical context, fostering empathy and an appreciation for human creativity and adaptability. When students are stimulated to face challenges and understand other people's creativity, students have the chance to gain a deeper understanding of cultural adaptation and resilience. The collaborative aspect encourages teamwork and problem-solving while highlighting the importance of shared resources and innovation in building communities.

I hope you all enjoyed it, and see you in my next post!

Ms. Mila