Hidden underground city in Kayseri awaits protection and tourism

Cave dwellings and underground tunnels in the Keşlik area of Yeşilhisar, known as a gateway to Cappadocia, have drawn growing interest from visitors. The rock-cut formation resembles Cappadocia’s famous Göreme region, yet much of it remains untouched and unprotected despite its historical value to Türkiye.

Ancient refuge beneath the earth

Locals explain that these underground chambers — often referred to as “catacombs” — were once used by Christian communities fleeing Byzantine and Roman persecution. Narrow corridors lead to multiple rooms, with ventilation shafts visible even today. Residents believe hundreds of people once lived and sought safety inside the subterranean complex.

Locals request tourism development

Yiğit Metin, who lives in Keşlik, says the existence of a large underground city beneath the rocks deserves professional research. “This place is part of Cappadocia’s heritage. We do what we can to introduce it, but experts should examine and open it to visitors,” he said. Metin added that limited access due to blockages caused by past flooding prevents deeper exploration.

A structure larger than it seems

Elder resident Kemal Taş recalls having ventured nearly 500 meters inside when he was a young man. He describes massive stone doors operable only from within — a known defensive feature in Cappadocia’s underground cities. Though parts of the site are now inaccessible, he hopes restoration will reveal its full size.

A call to protect Türkiye’s hidden history

Locals argue that Keşlik, widely nicknamed “Mini Göreme,” is a natural extension of the Cappadocia tourism network. They urge state institutions to conduct detailed archaeological work so that the underground city — a potential “historical miracle,” as residents describe it — can be preserved and opened responsibly to travelers from around the world.