The Prospects for Tomorrow: Cappadocia in the Future

CULTUREL DETAILS OF NEVŞEHİR

The Prospects for Tomorrow:Cappadocia in the Future

In the 1960’s and 1970’s the centre of the Cappadocia “planet” in the triangle of Nevşehir-Avanos-Ürgüp had less than a ten hotels which conformed to touristic standards. The number of incoming tourists, most of whom were Frenchmen was quite low. The mumber of ‘Iiırkish groups was also small but on a rising trend parallel to the fast growth of domestic tourism, although the condition of the roads and hotels was far from adaquate. Yet despite all these shortcomings, there was the pleasure of walking in the dusty roads of a region which was not fully discovered for the time being. The concerete buildings which had begun to appear here and there were still too few to cause any alarm.

The “Tourism Bomb” which exploded in the early 1980’s effected the Cappadocia region as it did all the other regions of Turkey, In all the townships of the region a better organised tourism sector began to show itself. Better information and advertising, construction of hotels with high standands and the training of the service personnel caused an outstanding increase in the number of tourists during the mid 1980’s. This was the long awaited tourism boom. The people of Göreme and Ürgüp reorganised their homes and began to rent their rooms. Yet the number of tourists was increasing so fast that the great number of new hotels were never able to meet the demand. Things were better than the highest expectations when the gulf war suddenly caused a crises. This was followed by the events in Souteastern Anatolia and the civil war in Bosnia-Herzegovnia. The number of tourists  begun to decline and the new coustructions remain unfinished, as they were.

Yet, in the long run all the regional and international politic and economic crises and problems did not end the flow of tourists. The faithful visitors of this unique region continued to come although in declining numbers.

There is no doubt that the treasures of this cradle of civilisations in the middle of Anatolia shall forever continue to attract visitors from ail around the world to the center of Asia Minor. Cappadocia shall keep its uniqe place in the world of future as it has done until now.

The richess of Cooadocia is not limited to natural beauty and historic values. This region has a very colourful folklore which includes an art stemming from agriculture and eartehenwares. The art of pottery in Avanos, which was the Venessa of Hitites is a tradition coming down  from untold centuries. The river Kızılırmak whose ancient name is Halys, divides the town of Avanos which has nearly 250 worksohps. The pitchers, jugs and reproductions of antic earthen ware seen in the shops selling decorative objects, in all the big cities of Turkey and some European centers have became one of the major sources of income for the region. Coppadocia is also famous with its carpets and carpet trade. In the many shops of the region it is possible to find all sizes and sorts of carpets coming from all regions of Turkey.

The Soğanlı village which is 50 kilometres from Ürgüp has become touristic in mid 1970’s and is famous for its hand made Cappadocia dolls. This village which was very poor until recent times has now attained a considerable dgree of wellfore thanks to these naive dolls.

Leaving carpets, antique dealers and potmakers to one side, the region is exporting its grapes, potatoes and onions cultivated on its lime earth with the addition of piegon dung. Vinary is a very old tradition in the region, being the mystical drink of its ancient dwellers. Today, one of the most important International Vine Festivals of Turkey are regularly held in Ürgüp and both the state and private vinaries are competing to make the highest quality vines.

One of the must important sources of wealth in the region is the store houses carved into rocks to function as cool depots. Many tons of citrus fruits are brought here from Mersin every year, to be stored in perfect condition before being exported.

The stunning natural beanties and the historical riches stemming out from every corner alongside the colourful folklore are the most important assets of the Coppadocia Region for the future. Yet the region is extremeley sensitive to factors which may endanger its future. If Coppadocia will be respected and cared for as much as it is loved, and the natural and historical sites will be protected without putting an additional nail, than it may really lead to a thriving tourism sector, provided that it shall also have a real international airport.

Cappadocia belongs not only to us but to all mankind, our children and our grandchildren, Coppadocia is universal. It is our future coming from our past.