Reyhane Parsa with her mother and brother in Istanbul
The Landscapes
The somewhat lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia is one of our favourite rural regions in Turkey, dotted with remote caves and underground cities that were carved out of soft volcanic rock by ancient civilisations, as well as the famous 'fairy chimneys' of Goreme. Head to Uchisar Rock Castle, the highest point in the region, to admire panoramic views of the valleys of Cappadocia. The Pontic Mountain range in the north is another beautiful area to visit, in particular the Monastery of Sumela, which is built into the side of the mountain (much like the remarkable Tiger's Nest monastery high in the mountains of Bhutan) and is a Byzantine monastery adorned with beautiful frescoes.
