Özkonak Underground City, an ancient city in Turkey built into the northern slopes of Mt. Idis. The city is located about 14 km northeast of Avanos in Nevşehir Province, in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey.
Özkonak Underground City is a remarkable example of Cappadocian underground cities, a complex of multi-level subterranean dwellings that date back to the Byzantine era. The city has many strata made up of volcanic granite and is unique in the region due to its pipe communication system, which connects its larger areas to each other. The city also features a ventilation system and water well, which allowed its inhabitants to survive during sieges.
The history of the Özkonak Underground City is not well documented, but it is believed to have been built by the people of Byzantine Cappadocia. The age of the city is uncertain, but it could be older than the nearby underground cities of Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu. The city was discovered in 1972 by a local farmer named Latif Acar, who stumbled upon an underground room while investigating the disappearance of his excess crop water. The excavation of the city revealed that it could house up to 60,000 people for up to three months. Today, only four floors of the complex are open to the public, but the city contains a total of ten floors, reaching a depth of 40 meters.
Visitors to Özkonak Underground City can explore the various chambers, tunnels, and rooms of the ancient city. Some of the highlights of the site include the ventilation and water systems, the winery, and the moving stone doors. Unlike the other underground cities in the region, Özkonak has holes above the tunnels, which were used to dump hot sand on the enemy during times of war.
To get to Özkonak Underground City, visitors can take a bus or drive to the nearby town of Avanos, which is located approximately 14 kilometers from the city. From Avanos, visitors can hire a taxi or take a local bus to the underground city. Alternatively, many guided tours of the area include a visit to Özkonak Underground City as part of their itinerary. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight to explore the various tunnels and rooms of the city. It is also recommended to bring a jacket or sweater as the underground chambers can be chilly even in the summer months.
In conclusion, the Özkonak Underground City is a fascinating and unique destination for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or architecture. The complex is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people of Byzantine Cappadocia and is a must-see destination for any traveler to Turkey.
