BEYPAZARI DISTRICT IN ANKARA, THE CAPITAL OF TURKEY, PRESENTS AN IMPRESSIVE CULTURAL MOSAIC

Located in the Central Anatolia Region, Beypazarı is a district of Ankara. Located approximately 95 km from the capital Ankara, this historical district draws attention with its hospitable mansions as well as its generous people. It can be seen in historical sources that this touristic area, which is frequently visited especially by domestic tourists today, has hosted many civilizations throughout history. Therefore, this region is enriched with the traces of different cultures. Beypazarı, which stands out with its traditional flavors such as Beypazarı stew and Beypazarı kurusu( dried pastry) and various handicrafts such as filigree and weaving, manages to impress its visitors with all its cultural values.
Beypazarı, a cute and charming district of Ankara, draws attention with its rich cuisine and natural beauties as well as all its values that reflect history and blend with Anatolian culture. Places to visit in Beypazarı are not only limited to historical houses, but also natural beauties, museums reflecting history, and bazaars enriched with the beautiful handicrafts of the region are waiting for its visitors.
The history of Beypazari dates back to ancient times. It is known that the Hittites were the first to appear on the stage of history here. Then Phrygian, Galatian, Roman, Byzantine, Anatolian Seljuk and Ottoman states had a say in this region. Beypazarı, which is located on the Istanbul and Baghdad Road, has been a region that attracts attention throughout history as it is an important trade center.
The first name of Beypazari was Lagania, which means “Land of Rocky Peaks” as far as it is known. In the 6th century, after the visit of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Emperor Anastasios to Lagania, the name of the city was changed to Lagania – Anastasiopolis (Anastasios City). In Ottoman times, the region, which stood out as one of the Tımar (Anatolian) Sipahi Centers, was named Beğ Bazarı, which has become what it is today in time, considering the commercial and economic situations with the Sipahi Beyi.
THE DETAILED PROGRAM AND FEE FOR THE BEYPAZARI TRIP WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE FUTURE.

CAPPADOCIA – THE LAND OF BEAUTIFUL HORSES

It is said that the word Cappadocia is originally a Persian word, originally Katpa Tuka. Today, this word, which is spoken as Cappadocia in English and Kapadokya in Turkish, means “Land of Beautiful Horses”. According to the rumors, during the wars between the Roman Empire and the Persians, the Persians were victorious and captured the Cappadocia region and took the very strong and beautiful horses raised in this region as booty. It was because of these horses that the region was called “Katpa Tuka”, which means “Land of Beautiful Horses”.
The fame of Cappadocia, one of the most popular tourism centres not only in Turkey but also in the world, is no coincidence. There is a lot to learn about Cappadocia, which has been used as a settlement since the Chalcolithic age and has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List for its magical atmosphere. Cappadocia has been home to many different civilizations until today. The Assyrians are recorded as the oldest civilization known to have lived in these lands. After the Assyrians, the Hittites dominated the region and laid the foundations of a great empire in the region. After the Hittite rule, which lasted until the 12th century BC, a dark period began in the region. The conflicts between the kingdoms in 332 BC, the struggle to dominate the trade routes and the resistance against Alexander the Great are enough to understand the richness of the history of Cappadocia. Later, with the arrival of Christians to the region, a new era began. Between the 7th and 13th centuries, Cappadocia became one of the most important centres of Christianity as the number of Christians fleeing oppression increased. Excavations in these lands, which have become a centre of attraction for civilizations due to their geographical location and climatic characteristics, have revealed that the settlements date back to the Chalcolithic period.
After the volcanic eruptions, the lava from these volcanoes spread over the plateau and formed a soft tuff layer on the plateau. Some of these tuffs were covered by a layer of lava containing hard basalt. Over time, the basalt cracked and broke into pieces. With the effect of rain, rivers, lakes and winds, the tuff layer started to be eroded. Of course, the variety of these factors is not limited to these. The change in air temperatures is also one of the factors contributing to the formation of Fairy Chimneys. In addition to its historical texture and natural beauties, Cappadocia is also very important in terms of faith tourism. The first Christians fleeing the oppression of the Roman Empire settled in this region and built the Selime Cathedral to fulfill their worship secretly. This structure, which allows them to both worship and protect against their enemies, is among the most visited historical places in Cappadocia. The importance of the region for the early Christians is not limited to this; the Edict of Milan, signed in 313, allowed them to worship freely, and the Orthodox held their first loud services in Cappadocia. This impact on the history of Christianity is why Cappadocia hosts faith tourism every year.
There are many legitimate reasons to understand why Cappadocia is such a popular destination today. The history of Cappadocia, the formation of Cappadocia, the importance of the region for Christians and its unique natural beauty are of great importance. In 2019, the enactment of a law on the Presidency of the Cappadocia Area also indicates an increase in efforts to protect the region. Cappadocia, one of the most unique heritages in the world, continues to shine in Central Anatolia like a pearl that will preserve its existence for generations.
DETAILED PROGRAM AND FEE FOR THE CAPPADOCIA TRIP WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE FUTURE.