Crossing the Taurus mountain range.

Waves...



Approaching Konya.





Population over 1 million.















Mevlana museum.



Mevlana was an important figure in 13th century Anatolia.









13th century hat and banner.



Coffins of noble men.

Mevlana's tomb, built in year 1274.

Roof.

On the road to Aksaray.

Stopping at a Karavan Saray.

These were guesthouses and trading ports on the old Silk Road.

Turks say Karavan Sarays are the oldest hotels in the world.

This one is from around year 1200.

Sure, I could spend a night here.





Approved!

Still a trading place.

Mount Hasan.





Approaching Aksaray.











There are around 200 underground cities in Turkey.

The oldest are from around 4000 years ago.

This one has 3 levels and housed around 2000 people.

It is around 1200 years old.

Level 1.

Fresh air shaft.



The biggest underground cities are 7 levels and 85 m (280 ft) deep.

Shortcut between levels?

Very narrow tunnels.

Big round stone blocks were used for access restriction.

Level 2.

Typical family room.

Ancient graffiti.

Rooms and tunnels everywhere!

Follow the red arrows to not get lost.

Burial chambers.



Yes, this is a toilet.



Level 3.

Better not be claustrophobic here.

ooops, no access this way.

must... get... out...

Mount Hasan again.

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