Page 130 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023 DISCOVERING TURKEY

ple who lived there, moving from one level to
another was challenging, which is why the
wealthiest families lived closest to the surface.
Our guide led us slowly through long, nar-
row tunnels and paths. We passed carved stone
rooms that once served as stables, storage
rooms, homes, and a church. There was a large
communal kitchen, where meals were prepared
for the city’s entire population. The spaces
though looked the same making it easy to get
disoriented. Arrows showed the path through
and our guide made sure we saw them.
Here Ron’s misadventure began, as he
squeezed through ever narrower tunnels.
Forced on his knees he finally crawled into a
room large enough to stand. Getting to his feet
required the help of others touring with us.
Bruised and breathless, we finally made our
way to exit.
We caution our travel friends about this tour.
It can be dangerous. If you’re claustrophobic or
over 6 feet tall, weigh over 150 pounds, or are
not in top shape, this isn’t the underground
city for you. Derinkuyu might be a safer, enjoy-
able experience.

Left: Ron, checking out the scratches on his
arm. His weak scraped knees are cover with
sand, from crawling through the hole directly
behind him.
Top: A block formation of andesite (a volcanic
rock) with several holes, used in Kaymakli for
cold copper processing.

130 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023