Centuries Old Manazan Cave City is Carved Out of a Sheer Rock Wall

Posted By Diane Pham On August 28, 2012 @ 9:06 am In Architecture,carousel showcase,gallery,Sustainable Food | No Comments

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This amazing vertical cave ^[6]community was carved centuries ago out of the cliff face flanking Taskale Village in the region of Karaman in central Turkey ^[7]. A majestic village that dates back to the Byzantine Empire, Manazan was once home to hundreds of inhabitants, and the rock face provided them with a safe shelter and protection from the scorching sun, cold snowy winters and political uprisings. The village has survived through centuries of war and regime change, standing as a historic monument imploring visitors from around the world to explore its curious beauty.

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The City of Manazan is built into an entire rock face and stretched five stories high across nearly two miles of cliffs. Built to model a city, the village had churches, homes, storage and even a cemetery. Today these particular caves ^[6] are still in use, but not for living ^[8]. Many of the rooms are used as storage space for cheese and other food for the local Taskale Village.

There are nearly 40,000 caves located throughout Turkey and cave dwellings ^[9] have proven to be incredible alternatives to standard constructions. Their natural walls regulate temperatures all year-round, and some even boast their own water source flowing within. While many of these dwellings have been left behind for more modern accommodations, a great number have been transformed into tourist destinations ^[10], including world-class hotels ^[11].

Via Atlas Obscura ^[12]

Images: Atlas Obscura ^[13] and Visit Karaman ^[14]

Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com

URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/centuries-old-manazan-village-is-an-amazing-vertical-cave-city-that-is-still-in-use-today/

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[5]  : http://inhabitat.com/centuries-old-manazan-village-is-an-amazing-vertical-cave-city-that-is-still-in-use-today/manazan-cave-city-lead/?extend=1

[6] cave : http://inhabitat.com/6-awesome-caves-to-call-home/

[7] Karaman in central Turkey: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karaman

[8] living: http://inhabitat.com/gorgeous-modern-home-is-built-inside-a-cave/

[9] cave dwellings: http://inhabitat.com/1000-year-old-monks-quarters-restored-as-luxurious-cave-hotel/

[10] tourist destinations: http://inhabitat.com/the-summer-cave-is-a-tranquil-italian-restaurant-tucked-into-a-cozy-sea-cave/

[11] world-class hotels: http://inhabitat.com/yunak-evleri-is-a-5-star-hotel-built-into-ancient-caves/

[12] Atlas Obscura: http://atlasobscura.com/place/taskale-village

[13] Atlas Obscura: http://atlasobscura.com/

[14] Visit Karaman: http://www.visitkaraman.gov.tr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=119&Itemid=432&lang=en

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