Fairy Chimneys

The Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey, are unique rock formations, shaped like cones or spires, created by millions of years of volcanic activity, erosion, and weathering. Formed from soft tuff (volcanic ash) deposited by ancient eruptions, these structures were sculpted by wind and rain, with harder basalt caps protecting the softer rock beneath, giving them their distinctive shapes. They range from a few meters to over 40 meters tall.

Found in the Göreme Valley and surrounding areas, these formations are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many have been carved into homes, churches, and monasteries since the Bronze Age, especially during the Byzantine period (4th–13th centuries), with intricate frescoes in places like the Göreme Open-Air Museum. The region’s surreal landscape also includes underground cities like Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, built for protection.