Derinkuyu underground city

Derinkuyu Yeraltı Şehri

ancient city in Derinkuyu

#1 in Derinkuyu / #29 in Turkey

by Nevit Dilmen (talk)

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

Derinkuyu underground city in Derinkuyu, Turkey, is an ancient multi-level subterranean city that extends to a depth of approximately 85 meters (280 feet). Believed to have been initially constructed during the Byzantine era, it served as a refuge for thousands of people during times of invasion and religious persecution. The city features an extensive network of tunnels and chambers, including living quarters, kitchens, stables, storage rooms, and even a church. Ingeniously designed ventilation shafts ensure a supply of fresh air throughout the complex, while strategically placed heavy stone doors could seal off sections to protect inhabitants from intruders.

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