Things to see and do Avanos

This 13th century Seljuk caravanserai is very well restored and has a soothing and mystical atmosphere. The building has kept its superb allure. A whirling dervish show takes place every day at 6pm or 9pm, lasting one hour. This is one of the best places to observe the spiritual dance of the dervishes. Note that the place is a bit out of the way, it is more convenient to buy the tickets in advance through an agency that also offers a bus service to get there.

Less touristy and smaller than the other underground cities, Özkonak was discovered by chance in 1972 by the owner of the land who is also the imam of the village. Two levels are currently visible and open to the public. There are some differences with the most visited underground cities, such as the strange "telephone system" or the more spacious rooms. Nestled on the slopes of the Idiş Mountain, the charming village of Özkonak is worth a visit.

It is the birthplace of saint Hacı Bektaş Veli, a thinker who influenced Islam and founder of the dervish order Bektaşi. You can get an idea of their daily life in the monastery (tekke). At the Meydan Evi, where the novices entered the orders, costumes and musical instruments are now on display. The tekke consists of three courtyards with the beautiful lion fountain in the second one. The saint's türbe is erected in the third courtyard. It is a place of pilgrimage. In August, a festival is held there with a poetry and singing competition.

In a valley planted with poplar, it is a cave called palace opened by the local population. It comprises fées, tombs of the Roman era, houses and rock churches (th and th centuries).

Gülşehir unveils two superimposed churches in the same cone of tufa, the higher church offers beautiful frescoes, which are very well restored recently.

Located 2 km south of Özkonak, Belha Monastery is located in the middle of nowhere and is completely rocky. It is the largest and oldest known monastery in Cappadocia, probably dating from the 6th century. Note the remarkable portico overlooking a courtyard, and a basilica which must have been the meeting point for the hermit monks of the surrounding area, a storeroom and two funeral chapels that make it a place not to be missed. Another point of interest is the view from the top of the hill. Follow the road for 4.5 km that leads to the top. Superb.