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Fairy Chimneys.
Cappadocia is famous for its unique landscape of valleys and unusual rock formations, known as fairy chimneys. The formation of this strange landscape started during the third geological period, when three volcanoes located on the edges of this region began erupting frequently. The deposits of volcanoes ash, lava and basalt laid the foundations for today's landscape. Earthquakes and the ongoing effects of erosion have contributed to form the valleys and the fairy chimneys that can be seen today.
There are parts of the world which do not seem really belong on this earth; Cappadocia, an area of central Turkey, certainly fits that description. It is an amazing area, unlike any other. In autumn it has incredible beauty, the trees are turning golden in a surreal landscape.
As the rock below the top layer of basalt is extremely soft, it can be easily carved. The people of the region took advantage of this to make their home in the rock pillars and under the ground. Today, these examples of homes, churches and whole cities abound throughout Cappadocia.
Copyright Paul Strawson - Blog ref: 83