- 5
- 23
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 42
- 11
- 0
- 2
- 2
- 1
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 16
- 2
- 2
- 5
- 95
- 6
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 1
- 2
- 1
- 5
- 1
- 1
- 21
- 1
- 3
- 1
- 2
- 1
- 2
- 98
- 2
- 54
- 6
- 1
- 155
- 5
- 29
- 1
- 30
- 5
- 4
- 0
- 2
- 2
- 2
- 4
- 0
- 1
- 5
- 6
- 11
- 15
- 23
- 88
- 3
- 14
- 21
- 17
- 4
Located 14 kilometers from Avanos, Ozkonak was discovered in 1972 by a local farmer, Latif Acar, who noticed unusual water drainage on his land. His discovery led to the excavation of an extensive underground city with a complex network of tunnels and chambers.
Spanning 10 floors and reaching a depth of 40 meters, Ozkonak is believed to have sheltered up to 60,000 people during times of refuge. Today, only four floors are open to visitors. Unlike other underground cities in Cappadocia, Ozkonak features a unique system of pipes connecting different levels, allowing residents to communicate while in hiding. Small holes above the tunnels were also designed for pouring hot oil on intruders, serving as a defense mechanism against enemies.
Ozkonak is one of Cappadocia’s most intriguing underground cities, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history and ancient survival strategies.