PLACES TO VISIT IN AVANOS
If we are talking about Places to visit In Avanos let’s talk about the history of Avanos first. In terms of art and tourism, Avanos is the most important region of Cappadocia, especially. Although it is a little outside of the Fairy Chimneys, this is a must-see place like other regions of Cappadocia. Avanos is a district and the Red River flows through it. Clay is obtained from the red soil coming from the river to the region.
As a result, this clay is being used to create art in Avanos. Avanos is also known for its winemaking. Since it has fertile vineyards, delicious wines are produced that will remain on the palate.
When we go to the ancient period, it is seen that the name of Avanos at that time was Vanessa, Zuwinassa, or Ouenesa. Pottery workshops, ceramic making has been going on since the Hittite period. We have prepared an article for those who ask where the places to visit in Avanos are. While staying at MDC Hotel in Cappadocia, you can visit the following places in Avanos.
Places To Visit In Avanos: Valleys 
Monks And Priests Valley
The region’s unique feature is that it was once a retreat for monks. It’s unfair not to give the monks credit when you come here and see the silence and peace.
There are many mulberry trees and grape Vines around. At the same time, it is possible to see people engaged in beekeeping.
Dream Valley (Dervent Valley)
Another name is Dream Valley. The reason for this is that the shapes of the Fairy Chimneys here are similar to animal and human shapes. The most interesting and interesting Fairy Chimney in the Dream Valley is the camel-shaped one. Imagination Valley, which immerses everyone in dreams just like its name, makes you feel as if you are in a completely different realm and period.
Ozkonak Underground City
Although there is no exact date, it is estimated that this place was built in 400 BC. Ozkonak Underground City has been transformed into a living space where food can be easily stored and people are allowed to live there.
According to the information given by the archaeologists, Ozkonak Underground City was stated to be the place of the local principalities of the Hittites period. After that, it became the territory of the Persian and Hellenistic Roman Empire. It is here in the Temple of Zeus. After the Roman period, the first Christians took refuge here by escaping from the Byzantine oppression and the Arab influx.
Under the leadership of St. Basil, people carved the rocks and built their city.
Ozkonak Underground City is the first historical place that comes to mind when we say places to visit in Avanos.
Saruhan Caravansarais (KERVANSARAYS) Of Cappadocia
Saruhan Caravanserai, located in Damsa Valley, is known to be the caravanserai built during the reign of Izzeddin Keykavus II, perhaps by him. The year it was built is known as 1249.
It is the last known example of Seljuk sultans because no inn was built after Sarıhan Caravanserai. The name of the caravanserai is also referred to as Saruhan or Silk Road.
Alaaddin Mosque
Is the oldest known Seljuk work built on Alaaddin Hill It was started to be built in the year of Seljuk Sultans 1st Rukneddin Mesud, and its construction was completed in the time of 1st Alaaddin Keykubat.
Mesud, Kılıç Arslan, 1. Gıyaseddin Keyhusrev, 3. Gıyaseddin Keyhusrev, 2. Rukneddin Suleyman, 1. Alaaddin Keykubat, 4. Kılıc Arslan are buried in the courtyard of the mosque
Avanos Hair Museum
It Is ranked 6th in the list of “15 Most Interesting Museums in the World” published by American ABCNews.com the museum has also entered the Guinness Book of Records?
So what makes Avanos Hair Museum so interesting?
Everything started with a love story. A French woman comes to the workshop of the museum owner, pottery master Galip Korukcu. With each passing day, the emotional bond between Master Galip and the French woman gets stronger. Before returning to his country after about 3 months, the French tourist wants to give a gift to Master Galip to remind him of him and give him a lock of his hair. Galip Usta hangs his hair on the wall.
Hearing the story of a lock of hair on the wall, women come to the workshop and donate a strand of their hair. Thus, the Hair Museum comes into existence. After a while, the French woman comes back to Istanbul and is shocked by the sight she encounters. No matter how hard he searches, he cannot find his strand of hair. It is said that Master Galip hid a lock of the French woman’s hair in a place that only he knew.
Today, when Avanos is mentioned, the first place that comes to mind is the Hair Museum.
The names, surnames, and addresses of the women who donated their hair to the museum are also on the hair. To protect private information, photography is prohibited in the museum. We can say that Avanos Hair Museum is at the forefront of places to visit in Avanos.
Places To Visit In Avanos: Avanos Pottery Workshops
The pottery workshops are the most popular attraction on the list of places to visit in Avanos.
Hittite sun jug, tear bottles, Ottoman pitchers, candlesticks, pendulums, jugs, casseroles, cubes, and more. Here you can find pottery that you would like to use in your home or that you already use. You can also see how the pots are made.
You can find many pottery workshops in Avanos, whose names start with Chez. The most important or in other words the most famous is Chez Galip.
Historical Stone Bridge
During the reign of Abdulhamid, the historical bridge connecting the two sides of Avanos was built in 1898. Kurenai MR Arif from Avanos, who was in charge of the palace, contributed.
The fact that the stones used in the construction of the bridge are still standing intact without being eroded also attracts the attention of people.
Wooden Bridge
The section passing over the Red River increases the excitement of the tourists due to its slight sway.
The Wooden Bridge was built in 1973 and it still remains.
Places To Visit In Avanos: Zelve Open Air Museum
Another option for places to visit in Avanos is Zelve Open Air Museum. It is home to many Fairy Chimneys with a pointed tip and wide body. At the same time, the churches inside the museum add value to this place. The workmanship on the houses in Zelve Open Air Museum is a masterpiece. The features of the Church of the Fish, The Grape Church, and Deer Church are also worth seeing.
Churches To Visit In Avanos: Church Of Fish And Grape
Fish and Grape Church, which belongs to a monastery, is located in the third valley of Zelve. Unfortunately, the entrance of the church was demolished by time. The Prophet sitting on the throne at the entrance door, holding the baby Jesus in his arms. The depiction of Mary draws attention. There are also drawings of Michael and Gabriel carrying the cross.
In the researches, it’s stated that the Fish and Grape Churches date from the 10th century.
Quote:MdcHotel