Discovered Below Ground: 3 Ancient Urban Sites, Unearthed Yet Unfamiliar
### Discovering the Hidden Depths of Ozkonak: Turkey's Third Ancient Underground City
Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Ozkonak, the third ancient underground city discovered in the heart of Cappadocia, Central Anatolia, Turkey.
#### A Hidden Gem in Cappadocia
Ozkonak, like its more famous counterparts Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, was carved out of soft volcanic rock and dates back to at least the 8th–7th centuries B.C., likely built by the Phrygians[1]. This subterranean marvel, situated inside the northern slopes of Mount Idis, houses around 60,000 people[5].
#### Unique Features of Ozkonak
Unlike its neighbours, Ozkonak boasts a pipe communication system in its tunnels, providing a unique ventilation solution[6]. Additionally, it features a water well, winery, and moving stone doors, all common elements found in other ancient underground cities in the region[7].
#### Exploring Ozkonak's Depths
Ozkonak extends forty meters into the ground and consists of ten highly complex floors, although only four are open to the public[4]. The tunnels and rooms at Ozkonak are narrower and more steeply inclined compared to Derinkuyu, offering a unique exploration experience[8].
#### The Ongoing Mystery of Ozkonak
Despite its discovery, the exact age of Ozkonak remains a mystery, with experts believing that it was expanded during the Byzantine era[1]. Like its counterparts, Ozkonak was likely used for protection and communal living during times of invasions and climatic extremes[2].
#### The Phenomenon of Ancient Underground Cities in Central Anatolia
The Central Anatolian region, specifically Cappadocia, is famously associated with the phenomenon of ancient underground cities. While there are underground structures elsewhere, the scale, complexity, and historical usage akin to Ozkonak, Kaymakli, and Derinkuyu are not documented in regions beyond Turkey’s Central Anatolia[3].
#### In Conclusion
Ozkonak, with its unique pipe communication system and rich history, adds another layer to the fascinating story of the ancient underground cities in Central Anatolia. As we continue to uncover the secrets of these subterranean marvels, we are reminded of the ingenuity and resilience of the civilizations that built them.
For those seeking to explore the roots of urban life, proto-cities like Çatalhöyük in Central Anatolia offer a glimpse into early urban life but are not underground cities per se[2]. Thus, the "ancient underground cities in Central Anatolian region beyond Turkey" as such do not have well-documented examples outside Turkey, making the Turkish sites uniquely important in this context.
[1] https://www.britannica.com/place/Ozkonak [2] https://www.britannica.com/place/Catalhoyuk [3] https://www.britannica.com/topic/underground-city [4] https://www.britannica.com/place/Derinkuyu [5] https://www.britannica.com/place/Ozkonak [6] https://www.britannica.com/topic/underground-city [7] https://www.britannica.com/place/Derinkuyu [8] https://www.britannica.com/place/Kaymakli
- Delving into the history of Ozkonak, Turkey's third ancient underground city, one might also uncover the lifestyle and home-and-garden arrangements of its lost city inhabitants, considering its unique features such as a water well and winery.
- As we marvel at the pyramids and lost cities of ancient civilizations, the intricate pipe communication system in Ozkonak serves as a testament to the ingenious home-and-garden technologies that were employed in the creation of these subterranean marvels, offering a glimpse into the history and lifestyle of the people who once lived there.
