Underground Cities
- Dr. Chafia Ferhat
- August 23, 2023
- Sustainability
- Basilica, Cappadocia, Derinkuyu, Dr. Chafia Ferhat, FENN DESIGNERS, Matmata, Petra, Underground Cities
- 0 Comments
From the early ages humans settled in places where there was water, fertile land, plenty of
light and sun and where they could defend themselves. But once in a while we find these
very intriguing human settlements in the deep of earth; so why have ancient
civilisations built underground cities? The obvious answers seem it is for defense purposes
Or for protection from natural elements and extreme weathers.
There are a number of old underground cities that have survived the time including;
1.Petra
Built in Jordan in the 2nd century by the Nabataeans, this massive monastery is just one of
hundreds of dwellings carved into the rocks.
2. Derinkuyu
This ancient Turkish city could house up to 50 thousand people, reached eleven stories
below ground, and was built in the 7th or 8th century.
3. Matmata
Situated in Tunisia about 450 km south for the capital of the country. The impressive town
is the largest community of troglodytes, people who live in caves and underground.
4. Basilica
Next to the Hagia Sofia lies one of the most impressive wonders of Istanbul. Built sometime around 6th century CE, the structure was a large basilica involved in commerce and the arts
5. Cappadocia
Standing 1,000 meters above sea level, the Cappadocia relief is a high plateau, pierced
by volcanic peaks that create a visually stunning landscape.
In my next articles I will explore the peculiarities of each of these magnificent example of human ingenuity to find out why have been built in the first place.
