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due largely to the strange land formations of sedimentary rocks, which after volcanic eruptions nine million years ago, eroded into hundreds of spectacular pillars and mina- ret-like forms. The volcanic deposits are soft rocks that the people of the villages at the heart of the Cappadocia Region carved out to form houses, churches, and monasteries in the 10th and 11th centuri From the first to the shah century, Christianity was not accepted in Anatolia (present day Turkey) and the people who practiced it constantly lived in hiding from the Moors. They began to sculpt tunnels underground and after many years had developed a network, which covers more than 100 square kilometres and is home to 200 underground cit- ies. Giant churches adorned with colourful frescos are joined by small tunnels; accessible in many cases only on hands and knees, are found throughout the region. | had the bumps and bruises to confirm the difficulty in getting around, but the Christians endured it for 600 years. Entrance to the vast, underground city was through small portals in the ‘Chimneys’ and in a successful effort to ward off their enemies the Christians made hundreds of fake entrances in many of the thousands of sedimentary rock pillars, The next time someone suggests you enjoy turkey at Christmas, consider taking a trip back to a region where the origins of religion thrive. You will not be disappointed and you will have leftovers for years to come. DECEMBER FOCUS.56.indd 53 Enjoy Turkey’s beautiful port cities on a Mediterranean cruise! 2012 Brochures now in office. Tieo #4577592 mariin travel” 58 Casimir St., Port Perry 905-985-2268 virginia. fi lark i ca FOCUS - DECEMBER 2011 53 4121/11 9:40:26 AM