Volcanoes of Cappadocia
2
Cappadocia was carved not by water or wind but by fire. Millions of years ago Erciyes and Hasan spewed clouds of ash that settled in thick layers and welded into soft tuff. Water and wind later sculpted the famous fairy chimneys from it, while hard basalt caps shielded the columns from erosion. The table below lists the region's two main volcanoes, and the FAQ explains how they worked, whether they are asleep today, and when to visit.
Cappadocia's main volcanoes: height, type and what makes them notable
| Volcano | Height, m | Type | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Erciyes | 3917 | Stratovolcano | Ski resort near Kayseri; its eruptions created the tuff of Cappadocia |
| Hasan Dağı | 3253 | Stratovolcano | Volcano near Aksaray; possibly shown on the Neolithic mural of Çatalhöyük |
Places2
FAQ5
How did volcanoes create the Cappadocian landscape?
Eruptions of Erciyes, Hasan and neighbouring volcanoes buried the plateau under a thick layer of ash that welded into porous tuff. Harder basalt flows capped it in places. Then rain, meltwater and wind took over: the soft tuff washed away quickly, while boulders of basalt stayed put and shielded the columns beneath them. That is how the fairy chimneys with their dark caps were born.
Are these volcanoes active now?
Both are considered dormant rather than extinct. Erciyes last erupted around 6800 BCE, and Hasan has been silent for millennia too. There is no danger to travellers, yet geologists keep watch because the magma reservoir beneath Central Anatolia is still there. For a trip it means pure history and views, with no smoke or lava.
Can you climb them or go skiing?
Yes. The slopes of Erciyes near Kayseri host a ski resort with lifts and pistes, while the summit itself is climbed by fit groups in summer. Hasan is popular with hikers too: the ascent is not technically hard but it is long and calls for an early start. Both peaks are best tackled with a guide and in good weather.
What does the Çatalhöyük mural show?
At the Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük archaeologists found a wall painting some 9,000 years old, in which many see a twin-peaked mountain above rows of houses with a cloud of dots overhead. Some researchers read it as an eruption of Hasan and the oldest landscape 'map' in history. Others disagree, arguing it is more likely a leopard skin or an abstract pattern. The debate is still open, and that is exactly what makes it fascinating.
When is the best time to visit?
For walks around Cappadocia and summit climbs the best months are May to June and September to October: warm, clear, with balloons flying almost daily. Summer can be hot, though the mornings are lovely. If you want to ski on Erciyes, your season is December to March, when snow blankets the slopes. In winter the rest of the region looks especially beautiful under white, just dress warmly.