Fairy Chimneys: Natural volcanic rock formations in Cappadocia

Temple complex3000 - 1500 BC
Exploring Derinkuyu & Çatalhöyük | Ancient Turkey
Source: Exploring Derinkuyu & Çatalhöyük | Ancient Turkey by Funny Olde World

Fairy Chimneys: Volcanic formations in Cappadocia where hard basalt or igneous rock caps rested atop soft tuff - erosion carved pointy spires over millions of years. People carved homes into the tuff, and some cave dwellings are still lived in today 🏔️🏠

Key facts

  • Natural phenomenon formed by volcanic eruption
  • Metamorphic rock from cooled lava rested on sandstone
  • Erosion over thousands of years created pointy hills
  • Hard lava rock remained on top while softer rock eroded below
  • People built houses and lived inside the fairy chimneys
  • Some families still live in these formations today

Site mentioned

📄 Cappadocia🌍 Show on the globe

Sources

The Fascinating History of Cappadocia's 'Fairy Chimneys'muchbetteradventures.com
An in-depth look at the Turkish region's intriguing topography, and the ancient civilisations who carved out a home in the rocks.
Welcome to the fairytale world of Turkey's Cappadociainsightvacations.com
A fairytale land of underground cities, 'fairy chimney' rock formations, and cave homes built thousands of years ago. This is your insightful window into the ...
The Story Behind The Fairy Chimneys In Cappadocia - Culture Triptheculturetrip.com
The 'fairy chimneys' of Cappadocia are a fascinating World Heritage Site – made up of unusual rock formations that once sheltered persecuted ...
Fairy Chimneys in Cappadociacappadociatravelpass.com
Fairy Chimneys are unique formations that were produced by volcanic explosions. Tuff rock, which was created by the lava flows, was carved by ...
Turkey's 'Fairy Chimneys' Were Millions of Years in the Makingsmithsonianmag.com
The chimneys are a result of a geologic process that began millions of years ago, when volcanic eruptions rained ash across what would eventually become Turkey.
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