Photographs of Derinkuyu in Cappadocia

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The flat plains gave the settlers plenty of notice of danger and they had time to move their families, animals and provisions below ground. The ventilation shafts meant that the stones could be rolled across the entrances and the whole community would be safe inside. The upper levels were used for living quarters for both people and animals while the lower levels were used for storage, wine making, flour grinding and worship in simple chapels. Everywhere, walls have been blackened from the use of torches. There is a connecting tunnel between Kaymakli and Derinkuyu that allowed three people to walk through at the same time.