Özkonak Underground City, Turkey

Following the carpet weaving visit, we had lunch in a more upscale restuarant for the tour so far. The Keyif Restaurant was known for its pottery kebab, lamb cooked in a sealed claypot that was carefully cracked and opened at your table. The dishes were very well presented. The food was a bit pricey but dining here was quite an experience! We sat on upstairs and had a great view of the limstone hills.

After lunch, we headed to the Özkonak Underground City. This city was likely built in the Byzantine period as a way for residents to hide from invaders. They could bring their animals down with them and stay hidden for several months at a time until the enemies left. We were told that the city went several levels down, but only the first two were accessible to visitors. Our group was also cautioned that with claustrophobia may want to reconsider going down since the tunnels could tight, and past the first level, we will have to come back the same way we went in.

It was another great experience, going through the "rooms" that were connected by low and narrow tunnels, imagining what it would have been like to live in the confined space. We saw vents that brought in air, and the round stone barriers that can be rolled in place to block entrances should invaders get that far into the tunnel. One of the tunnels was very long and low, I had to bend at the waist to get through.