In a remarkable turn of events, a Turkish resident’s pursuit of his mischievous chickens led to the accidental unearthing of a long-forgotten ancient city, once inhabited by a thriving community of 20,000 people.
The extraordinary incident unfolded within the basement of an unidentified individual residing in Turkey. While attempting to retrieve his chickens, they darted through a hole in a wall undergoing renovation. As he dismantled the wall, an unexpected tunnel revealed itself, ultimately leading to one of the most astounding archaeological discoveries of recent centuries.
Originally known as Elengubu and now recognized as Derinkuyu, this subterranean metropolis lies approximately 280 feet beneath the surface of Cappadocia, the man’s place of residence. Believed to be the largest excavated underground city globally, it encompasses two levels and provided homes, places of worship, schools, and various public areas for its former inhabitants.
The initial discovery of Derinkuyu took place in 1963, forever altering the historical landscape, while the fate of the chickens remains shrouded in mystery.
Since that groundbreaking moment, the exploration of Derinkuyu has led to the revelation of an additional 200 smaller underground cities branching out from its core. However, only 40 meters of the site have been meticulously excavated thus far.
According to the experts at Made In Turkey, Derinkuyu’s origins can be traced back to either the 15th century BCE or the seventh century BCE. They propose, “While there is debate regarding the city’s architects, there is a consensus that this underground metropolis served as a refuge, shielding its inhabitants from hostile forces.”
This defensive purpose became particularly vital during the Byzantine era, as Christians sought to escape persecution by Roman authorities. Upon their arrival in Cappadocia, the Christian community not only occupied the existing structures but also expanded and modified them, erecting churches, schools, wineries, and additional chambers tailored to their requirements.
Historical estimates suggest that Derinkuyu could accommodate up to 20,000 individuals and their livestock simultaneously, highlighting the city’s impressive scale and functionality.
During the early 1920s, remnants of activity within the area hint at partial occupation. However, with the expulsion of Christians from the region, as they were forced to leave Turkey and relocate to Greece, the once-thriving underground city gradually faded into oblivion.
Presently, ongoing excavation work persists at the site, including several of the smaller cities that have been uncovered subsequently. Throughout the year, Derinkuyu welcomes visitors, allowing them to marvel at the ancient marvels that lay hidden beneath the earth’s surface.