Weird & Unusual Attractions in Melikgazi, Kayseri, Turkey
1. Melikgazi Underground City
A vast subterranean network of tunnels and chambers dating back to the Hittite period. Solves the challenge of protection against invasions.
- Subterranean Living: Living and working in underground spaces
- Historical Significance: Connection to the ancient Hittite civilization
- Cave Art: Discovering intricate cave paintings within the city
2. Yumuktepe Mound
An ancient Hittite fortress built on a man-made mound. Solves the challenge of providing a strategic vantage point.
- Historical Structure: Studying the architectural design of the Hittite fortress
- Panoramic Views: Enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- Artifact Discovery: Potential discovery of artifacts from Hittite era
3. Gobeklitepe
An ancient temple complex predating Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. Solves the challenge of understanding early religious practices.
- Earliest Temple: Exploring the world's oldest known temple
- Megalithic Structures: Studying large stone structures erected without metal tools
- Ancient Sculptures: Observing the enigmatic T-shaped sculptures
4. Karahöyük Mound
An archaeological site from the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages. Solves the challenge of understanding early human societies.
- Chalcolithic Settlement: Investigating a settlement from the Copper Age
- Mound Exploration: Exploring a large artificial mound formed by human activity
- Artifact Discovery: Potential discovery of artifacts from the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages
5. Karatepe-Agros Stelae
A pair of Phoenician stelae inscribed with the longest Phoenician inscription ever found. Solves the challenge of understanding ancient languages and cultures.
- Longest Inscription: Studying the longest Phoenician inscription
- Ancient Language: Understanding the ancient Phoenician language
- Historical Context: Gaining insight into the historical context of the Phoenicians in this region
6. Aşağı Karahöyük Mound
An Iron Age archaeological site with a royal palace and temple. Solves the challenge of understanding ancient urban centers.
- Iron Age Settlement: Investigating an Iron Age settlement
- Royal Palace: Exploring the remains of a royal palace
- Temple Discovery: Potential discovery of ancient temple structures
7. Karain Cave
A cave containing prehistoric art and human remains. Solves the challenge of understanding early human life.
- Prehistoric Art: Observing prehistoric paintings and engravings
- Ancient Human Remains: Examining the remains of early humans
- Cave Exploration: Exploring a cave with ancient art and human history
8. Yazılıkaya Sanctuary
An archaeological site associated with the Hittite capital of Hattusa. Solves the challenge of understanding ancient religion.
- Hittite Religion: Studying the religious beliefs and practices of the Hittites
- Carved Reliefs: Observing intricate carvings on the rock faces
- Ancient Inscriptions: Deciphering ancient Hittite inscriptions
9. Çatalhöyük Excavations
An archaeological site from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period. Solves the challenge of understanding early farming societies.
- Prehistoric Settlement: Investigating a prehistoric settlement
- Co-founding of Civilization: Exploring the site where human civilization began to form
- Subterranean Houses: Observing subterranean houses built with no foundations
10. Karapınar Karagözü
A natural gas vent that has been burning since ancient times. Solves the challenge of understanding geological phenomena.
- Natural Gas Vent: Observing a natural gas vent that has been burning for centuries
- Geological Phenomena: Understanding the geological factors leading to this phenomenon
- Ancient Sources: Researching ancient texts and artifacts related to this site
11. Karaköy Underground City
A large underground complex dating back to the Byzantine period. Solves the challenge of understanding hidden urban structures.
- Byzantine Underground City: Exploring a large underground complex from the Byzantine era
- Hidden Urban Structure: Understanding the purpose and function of this hidden urban structure
- Historical Context: Gaining insight into the historical context of the Byzantine period in this region
12. Büyük Karasu Stream
A natural wonder featuring a large stream flowing over limestone formations. Solves the challenge of appreciating nature's beauty.
- Natural Wonder: Appreciating the natural beauty and unique geological features
- Limestone Formations: Observing and photographing limestone formations along the stream
- Hiking Opportunities: Exploring the area through hiking trails
13. Sakçagözü Stone Sphinxes
A group of stone sphinxes carved from local limestone. Solves the challenge of understanding ancient sculpture techniques.
- Ancient Sculptures: Studying the techniques used to carve these ancient stone sphinxes
- Limestone Carvings: Observing and photographing the stone sphinxes carved from local limestone
- Historical Context: Gaining insight into the historical context of these ancient carvings
14. Çöğüçözü Tholos
A unique beehive-shaped tomb from the Hittite period. Solves the challenge of understanding ancient burial practices.
- Hittite Burial Practices: Investigating ancient Hittite burial practices
- Tholos Tombs: Exploring tholos tombs, a type of beehive-shaped tomb
- Historical Context: Gaining insight into the historical context of this tomb and the Hittite civilization
15. Akıncılar Tepesi
A hill offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Solves the challenge of appreciating natural beauty and local scenery.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside
- Natural Beauty: Appreciating the natural beauty and serenity of the area
- Local Scenery: Observing and photographing the local scenery and landscape