Thousands of years ago, up to 20.000 people have secretly hidden from religious prosecution and foreign invaders in an underground city. Fighting for their lives, the inhabitants of Capadoccia, in modern-day Turkey, have built a gigantic 8-story maze underneath the ground. In the 20th century, the secret of Derinkuyu was finally revealed, and it all happened by accident!

The incredible story of Derinkuyu is as fascinating as the city itself, which is now a popular tourist attraction. And if you stick around long enough, we will even tell you why many people believe it was actually built by... reptilian aliens?

The Finding of Derinkuyu

For centuries, the secret of Derinkuyu was so well-kept that Historians had no idea about its existence. Its discovery happened less than 100 years ago, and it was purely accidental. Surprisingly enough, it started with what should've been nothing but a regular home improvement project.

In the province of Nevsehir, sitting on the outskirts of the Turkish city of Capadoccia, an oblivious homeowner was starting a renovation project in his house. That's how he ended up tearing down a wall in his basement. But to his surprise, his seemingly regular construction project was about to make it into the history books...

Turkey's Best-Kept Secret

To his surprise, the Turkish homeowner found himself in a secret underground city. People's basements can have their fair share of secrets, but nothing like what this man encountered. Right there, underneath his home, sat a massive labyrinth of stone tunnels that led right back to his basement.

Soon enough, the Turkish homeowner realized that there was a whole series of secret rooms and passages, an underground city large enough to get an untrained explorer completely lost. At this point, the mystery of Derinkuyu was already out of his hands. Baffled by his discovery, historians and investigators were called to the site.

The Finding of the Century

A great time for archaeological discoveries, the 20th century was marked by plenty of advancements in History. But even the most experienced investigators were surprised by how large and unique Derinkuyu seemed to be. Its underground tunnels descended into up to 18 different levels of complex stone rooms and passages.

But, most of all, Derinkuyu looked like a city that was built to keep something away. Its ancient architecture was designed to keep whoever was inside safe, leaving no room for the invasion of outsiders. A fact that might help to explain why it took so long to find the massive city, but that also raised a lot of questions...

How Old Was It?

It was clear that the underground city of Derinkuyu belonged to a different age, but how old was it? Further investigations have allowed historians to conclude that the city was active between the 5th and 10th centuries. The timeline was traced according to some of the artifacts that were found, which were characteristic of the Middle Byzantine Period.

The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern extension of the Roman Empire and the predecessor of the Ottoman Empire. It was marked by the influence of Christianity, which was then a fairly new religion, promoted all over the Rome-dominated lands by the emperor Constantine I.

Caves Were Common in Capadoccia

The Turkish region of Capadoccia is known for its natural volcanic formations and for having been the home of the Phrygians. Man-made caves and underground locations were common in the region. The Phrygians liked to make the most out of the exceptional Capadoccian landscape and were skilled cave builders.

Even though Derinkuyu is the largest underground city in the region, old caves can be found all over Turkey. When Greek language and Christianism become the norm in the region, the old Phrygian caves started being re-developed to include new elements, like Greek inscriptions and chapels. But what was the real purpose behind Capadoccia's endless underground labyrinths?

A War-Tainted Discovery

It became clear to the first Derinkuyu investigators that the newly-found underground city was designed to keep something away. These ton-heavy stone doors, for instance, were common in the city and strong enough to keep a herd of bulls away. But the people hiding in the ground weren't afraid of animals...

Their real concern was the Muslim Arabs who piled the region over 1.000 years ago. The period associated with the discovery of Derinkuyu was marked by the blood-spilling Arab-Byzantine Wars, a conflict that was active for almost 100 years and that led thousands of Capadoccians to hide in underground locations. The safest one? The underground city of Derinkuyu.

Outstanding Features

The underground city of Derinkuyu was old and was developed throughout centuries. Still, investigators were baffled by how modern and complexly designed the multiple stone rooms were. They found traces of everything, from chapels to oil presses, not forgetting wine cellars and a huge location that's believed to have been an old religious school!

Most impressively, the city was both efficiently ventilated and counted with a network of man-made water supply channels. At the center of the city, a now-famous 55-meter well can be found. It was used to store high amounts of water and ensure that the population was able to survive for a long time without leaving.

Before the Phrygians, the Hittites?

The Phrygians were the great developers of Derinkuyu, but there's a chance they were not the original inhabitants of the city. Before the Phrygians migrated to Capadoccia, the region was home to the Hittites, who were famous for their crafty bronze constructions and the ancient Empire of Hattusa.

At one point, over 3.500 years ago, the Hittites were fighting the "big boys" for the control of the Near East. They were fierce enemies of the Egyptian and Middle Assyrian Empires for ages but were eventually divided after the collapse of the Bronze Age. They scattered all across the Eastern Mediterranean region, in modern-day countries like Syria and Israel.

Archaeology is Hard

When it comes to ancient cities like Derinkuyu, some facts and dates can get a little blurry. But considering how hard the job of the archaeologists is, it's impressive that we even get to know as much as we do about the lost underground city.

History is more reliable than archaeology because it is based on written evidence from the past. Archaeologists, on the other hand, rely solely on circumstantial traces left by people who lived thousands of years ago! That's what makes it so hard to pinpoint exactly who were the inhabitants of Derinkuyu and how and when it was built.

A Never-Ending List of Threats

The region of Capadoccia was arguably one of the best-fitted places to host an underground city like Derinkuyu. It was not only naturally suited, due to its volcanic landscape. It was also a war-tainted site, which was invaded by multiple enemies.

Amongst the most famous Capadoccian invaders was Alexander the Great. The notorious conqueror was so good at war that he was able to rule over an empire that extended from Greece to northwestern India. It's highly likely that Alexander shed some blood in Capadoccia during his crusade to conquer the entire region of Persia.

The Act of Hiding

Used to the war, the people who lived in the now-Turkish region of Capadoccia were notable at hiding and developing underground locations for a reason... There were so many historical disputes in Near Asia that the Turkish ancestors have professionalized in the art of hiding.

According to the Cambridge University linguist Richard MacGillivray Dawkins, the Turkish were using underground sites to hide from the war as soon as the beginning of the 20th century! In 1909, a dreadful and often forgotten massacre resulted in the rehabilitation of the Capadoccian underground tunnels, as the population feared decimation...

Derinkuyu's Final Resistance

Hiding in a centuries-old underground city seems like something that would only happen thousands of years ago, but testimonies point out that Derinkuyu was used as a hiding place as soon as 1909. Back then, the Christian population of Capadoccia was hiding from the Ottoman Muslims who had just killed about 30.000 Armenian Christians in the nearby city of Adana.

The event is now known as the Adana Massacre of 1909, and it was so recent in History that there is even photographic evidence of its destructive consequences. The massacre lasted for about 1 month but, luckily, it never affected the Christians hiding at Derinkuyu.

How Was Life Underground?

For the people of Capadoccia, who were mostly farmers, spending months hiding in the ground wasn't ideal. But Derinkuyu wasn't about quality of life, but its preservation. To those hiding in the underground tunnels, security was the top priority. This helps to explain why Derinkuyu's tunnels were so narrow... If only one person fitted at a time, enemy armies wouldn't have a chance to invade.

As we've seen, the entrances to the city were also barred by ton-heavy stone doors. A claustrophobic nightmare, yes, but a necessity. After all, over 100 alternative entries to the tunnels were discovered by the Derinkuyu investigators.

People Could Stay Put for Weeks

When it comes to amenities and quality of life, Derinkuyu offered its residents not only a safe place, but enough food and water to last for whole weeks. To draw a modern-day comparison, it was designed like a nuclear bunker, and there was even enough space to store some cattle animals, such as cows.

Its impressive ventilation and water supply system were an architectural feat at the time. And to have an idea of just how skilled the Derinkuyu constructors and developers were, we need to grasp the fact that it was all made with nothing but firelight!

Crowded Tunnels

Derinkuyu wasn't just the hiding spot for a small group of people. It wasn't the stone bunker of a little village of farmers or a privileged political class. It was a legitimate underground city, with enough space to fit up to 20.000 people! Can you imagine how horrific the day-to-day must have been?

The crowded tunnels fitting tenths of thousands of people weren't exactly comfy, but in Derinkuyu, men and women were at least safe. It was more than many of the people living in ancient times could ever hope for. In a time in which war, death, and destruction were the norm, a place like Derinkuyu was synonymous with hope.

Developed for Centuries

Hiding for your life underneath the ground can have some unexpected results. One is productivity. Locked in their stone maze, the people who lived in Derinkuyu enjoyed the time spent underground to develop and further fortify the city. This may help to explain why Derinkuyu was such a valuable asset for the Capadoccian people ever since the days of the Hittites.

The city's notable architecture was the result of centuries of work and clashed different ideas, influences, and historical periods. It's truly a generational feat, a place that holds tenths of centuries of History together.

Ready for the Worst

Even in hiding, the folks who lived in Derinkuyu were prepared for the worst. The underground city was protected by armed guards and diligently patroled. This meant that even if there was a break-in, the locals would be ready to suppress any threat.

Regardless, the biggest weapon against enemies was the city itself. There are no evident traces of combat in the underground tunnels, as it's likely that invaders were either unable to find Derinkuyu, or wise enough not to enter it. Successfully invading the well-secluded underground fortress would be a nearly impossible task, even for the skilled army of Alexander the Great.

A Place to Live... And Die

Designed to keep its occupants alive, Derinkuyu has also witnessed its share of death. As with most underground discoveries, archaeologists have found traces of burial sites and ancient tombs in Derinkuyu. These were believed to be temporary; places in which the dead could be stored before the opportunity to get back on the ground was made possible.

Outside of the underground maze, the people who had not resisted their days in hiding would be theoretically given a proper funeral. Religion, hence death, was extremely important for the people who inhabited Derinkuyu over the centuries.

Becoming Secret

Considering how massive, useful, and historically significant Derinkuyu was, how was it possible that it turned into such a big secret during the 20th century? As we've seen, the city was likely used as a hiding location as soon as 1909... How could it be that just 54 years later it was being accidentally discovered by a Turkish homeowner?

The answer is, unfortunately, not a comforting one. After centuries of continuous war and religious mayhem, the people who lived in Capadoccia were about to meet peace. But that peace would be preceded by yet another massive injustice...

Finding Peace in Greece

The Cappadocian Greeks have a rich history and a beautiful culture, but there's a lot of pain in their past. For centuries, they met nothing but war and genocide. It all started in the 11th century. The Seljuq Turks conquered the Anatolian region and started imposing their values and culture... A culture that was not compatible with the Cappadocian locals.

Surviving in underground cities like Derinkuyu, the Capadoccian Greeks were finally relocated after 1923, a year which was marked by multiple minority genocides in current Turkey. They eventually found peace in Greece, a place where Christians were welcome.

Leaving Anatolia Behind

As Turkey became unbearably hostile to religious minorities in the 1930s, the old hiding sites of the Anatolian war days were left behind. Just like U.S. bunkers after the end of the Cold War, cities like Derinkuyu were suddenly deemed as useless. Hidden underneath the ground and blending perfectly with the landscape, these majestic hiding spots were never used for protection again.

But the legacy of the Capadoccian Greeks still lives on, and it's still portrayed by the eerie walls of Derinkuyu. Today, the region is a popular tourist destination, with Derinkuyu being one of the favorite attractions amongst foreign visitors.

Open to the Public

It didn't take long for the potential of Derinkuyu to start being explored. In 1969, 6 short years after a Turkish homeowner stumbled upon its labyrinthic tunnels, Derinkuyu was open to the public. The area was already known for its more than 200 underground cities, spreading from Kayseri to Nevsehir. But Derinkuyu was by far the largest in the region.

In the late '60s, adventurous travelers were given a chance to visit the Derinkuyu site. Currently, about half of the underground city can be seen by tourists from all over the world.

Derinkuyu's New Life in the 21st Century

Hundreds of years ago, the scared people cramming underneath the ground could not have predicted that their stone maze would one day become a popular tourist site. But Derinkuyu was given a rebirth in the 21st century, as it's now part of Turkey's long-list of attractions.

The whole region of Anatolia is popular for its underground cities, with Derinkuyu posing as the ultimate crown's jewel. Today, the city can be finally appreciated for its majestic design, architectural prowess, and inspiring labyrinths. In a way, the buried city is finally seeing the light of the day, as thousands of people each year line-up to enjoy its beauty.

How Does It Feel to Be Inside?

As more and more people each year visit the underground city, reports of what it feels like to be inside the 8-story maze have started to surface online. In Reddit, tourists discussed the difference between the upper and deeper tunnels of the city.

While a former visitor talked about how tough and claustrophobic it was to spend up to 3 hours in the lower levels of Derinkuyu, another reported that the main level was very comfortable. With direct access to the main airshaft and a nice view of the Sun at some points, Derinkuyu's main floor is so well-ventilated that it is possible to smoke inside without any problems!

Just Like Centuries Ago

While most promotional pictures of Derinkuyu include nice lightning and state-of-the-art electric installation, many of the city's deeper levels are completely dark. Still, these are open to the most adventurous visitors, providing an authentic experience of what being inside the city felt like centuries ago.

Former visitors praised this feature, as well as the fact that the site is almost completely open to the public. But beware! It's incredibly easy to get lost inside, especially when you reach the non-powered rooms and passages. Going deep is not recommended for the claustrophobic or easily frightened.

How Do You Get There?

There are lots of great things to see in Turkey and in the region of Capadoccia in particular, which is famous for its stunning balloon rides. But reaching Derinkuyu's site can be tough, especially for a less-experienced traveler.

To visit the site, you need to take an international airplane to Istambul. From there, you need to catch an additional airplane to the city of Kayseri, which is right in the middle of Turkey. In Kayseri, you need to find the shuttle bus to the remote area of Goreme, where Derinkuyu can be visited. The site sits about 1.5 hours away from the city.

Derinkuyu's Impressive "Neighbours"

If you need an additional reason to visit Derinkuyu, just take a look at the impressive Churches of Goreme! Known all over the world, these churches and monasteries were built right into Capadoccia's iconic rock formations. These were formed millions of years ago, made out of the ash and lava that resulted from countless volcanic eruptions.

Like Derinkuyu, the Churches of Goreme are a prime example of the ancient Byzantine art and culture, with the difference that these sat above the ground and were entirely made for religious purposes. They are said to be at least 1.700 years old.

The Myths

History is fascinating in its own, but also because it contains so many myths and unknown details. Derinkuyu's history is not an exception. Like most ancient monuments, the secret Turkish underground city has been linked to a lot of speculative stories, with some including... aliens!

Alien stories don't convince most people, who prefer to believe in archaeological evidence and historical facts. But there's no denying that the case made by most alien controversies is fascinating! Let's dive into Derinkuyu's alien myth and see why so many people believe the city was actually built by extraterrestrial visitors!

Ahura Mazda, The Reptilian King

There's nothing like an ancient King portrayed in what looks a lot like a spacecraft to stir the imagination of alien conspirators. This is Ahura Mazda, whose name translates as "Lord Wisdom". Mr. Wisdom is believed to be the founder of Zoroastrianism, one of the first religions to clearly define the existence of a Good deity (Ahura Mazda himself) and a Bad deity (a destructive spirit known as Angra Mainyu).

A powerful political figure in the region of Capadoccia, Ahura Mazda is credited by some as the original developer of Derinkuyu. But was he also... an alien reptilian?

The Reptilian Conspiracy Theory

According to the infamous conspiracy theorist David Icke, many of the kings of ancient times were, in fact, shape-shifting reptilians visiting from outer space. His theory is based on circumstantial evidence, like ancient portraits of kings riding large birds. It's also based on the existence of old monuments like the Great Pyramids or Deirnkuyu, who many believe to be incredibly ahead of its time.

The alien myth of Derinkuyu states that the underground city was built by Ahura Mazda as a way of avoiding an upcoming natural disaster, an apocalypse of some sort. Naturally, these stories were never proved, and Icke's reptilian theory is deemed by many as pure science-fiction.