Sivas Cave Apartments Welcome Visitors
The Historical Rock Caves of Sivas
Sivas is a city in Turkey known for its rock caves, historical riches, and natural beauties. One of the districts in Sivas, Gurun, is recognized as one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia. The rock caves in Gurun are particularly notable, with a history dating back approximately 4 thousand years.
The rock caves, lined up on the mountain slope, resemble a primitive apartment building with 3 and 5 floors. It is believed that these caves were processed by the Hittites to create multi-storey structures due to the easy eroding nature of the rocks.
According to Gurun Mayor Nami Çiftçi, the caves have a history dating back to the Hittite period. “We reach this history with both these caves and the inscriptions from the Hittites in Şuğul Canyon,” said Çiftçi. During that time, people lived in caves, which served as their houses and hotels. Today, efforts are being made to promote Gurun and bring its beauties to tourism, with landscaping and lighting being done in the rock caves.
In addition to the caves, there are other significant places to visit in Gurun, such as Gökpınar Lake and Şuğul Canyon. The local government is striving to highlight every beauty of Gurun and bring it to tourism. Following the landscaping efforts, there has been an increase in interest in the rock caves.
Located in the village of Tödürge, the Tödürge Rock Caves in Zara, Sivas, also welcome visitors throughout the year. With approximately 100 caves carved into rocks and used as residences many years ago, the Tödürge Rock Caves offer visitors a unique experience. It is believed that the caves were created approximately 3,200 years ago and have been used and inhabited by various civilizations throughout history.
The historical rock caves of Sivas are not only a testament to ancient civilizations but also a significant cultural and historical heritage that attracts visitors from all around the world. For those interested in exploring the rich history and natural beauty of Sivas, the rock caves are a must-visit destination.
