Cappadocia, the Land of C's

Our last stop in Turkey was Cappadocia - the "Land of C's"

Christians

Cappadocia was among the earliest areas of Christian activity and was where the first Christians fled to escape from the Roman soldiers who wanted to avoid the spreading of the Christian religion. It was perfect for hiding and so they were able to continue to worship the Lord and spread the Gospel there.

Cappadocia is mentioned twice in the Bible. Some Cappadocians where among those at Pentecost, "birthday of the church":

"On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 'Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!' ” Acts 2

And Peter addressed his first epistle to the Christians in the area:

"I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1

The apostle Paul was from Tarsus in Cilcia, which is the adjacent region just south of Cappadocia. Paul traveled widely though Cappadocia, as well.


Underground town for persecuted Christians





Caves


Sign to our cave hotel


Cave hotel


Cave hotel room




Typical neighborhood cave house




Monastery in the caves


Wall paintings in cave churches











Carpets











Ceramics







Chimneys


We took a hot air balloon ride over the "fairy chimneys". It was so beautiful and fun!






Me with our balloon captain



Children


We met this family our first day. They sold us some hand-made head coverings and table clothes. The older woman is in her fifties and her daughters-in-law are in their twenties. Each daughter-in-law has two kids. The boys were pretty bad. Very mischievous and disobedient. The little girl was sweet and meek. They invited us into their house where they all lived. It was very interesting since they speak no English. Good thing, we had our tour guide with us. Except for the part where they were trying to marry me off to the third son. Yikes!

Camels



We had a great time in Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Istanbul! I am so thankful I got to spend a week with my mom having our own traveling turkish delight!