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Cappadocia, famous for its unique “fairy chimneys” and hot air balloon rides, has once again received international recognition. The historic village of Ortahisar, located in the heart of the region, has been included in Forbes’ “50 Most Beautiful Villages in the World 2025” list, confirming Cappadocia’s status as a destination with exceptional natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Ortahisar is located just six kilometers from Ürgüp, the region’s largest settlement, and combines the characteristic Cappadocian rock-cut architecture, an ancient fortress, and picturesque landscapes dotted with hot air balloons.

Forbes describes the village as “a forgotten monolith under a basalt sky.” The soft volcanic layers, formed millions of years ago by eruptions of the Erciyes, Hasandağ, and Güllüdağ volcanoes, were sculpted by rain and wind, creating Cappadocia’s famous “fairy chimneys.”

At the center of the village rises Ortahisar Castle — a multi-level complex camouflaged as a “fairy chimney.” According to historians, the fortress was carved during the Hittite period and includes caves, dovecotes, and labyrinthine tunnels.

Today, it serves as one of the region’s main panoramic viewpoints. Surrounding the castle are examples of traditional Cappadocian architecture, stone-paved streets with apricot stalls, and tea gardens fragrant with roses.

The region is famous not only for its architecture and natural wonders: last year, museums and archaeological sites in Cappadocia were visited by over 4.37 million tourists. Visitors can explore underground cities, stay in cave hotels, enjoy spa treatments, horseback ride through rocky landscapes, and participate in pottery workshops.

The local cuisine enriches the tourist experience: dishes of meat with fruits cooked in famous clay pots, and wines made from the region’s tuff. Recently, Cappadocia was included in the MICHELIN Guide for Turkey, further cementing its reputation as a world-class cultural and gastronomic destination.

ORIENT

Photo: Embassy of Türkiye – Department of Culture and Tourism