NEVSEHIR - Number of Turkish and foreign tourists visiting Cappadocia region in central province of Nevsehir increased to 192 thousand 845 in the first fourth months of 2004.
Nevsehir Museum officials told the A.A that number of tourists rose from 188 thousand 690 to 192 thousand 845.
Tourists showed interest especially in Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve Ruins, Gulsehir Ruins, underground cities and churches.
Cappadocia region shows a spectacular and surprisingly different landscape with its wind and water eroded volcanic tuff based soil. There are thousands of natural, pyramid shaped rock formations and cave-like settlement places carved by humans since the early ages throughout the region.
Gulsehir, a small center developed in the 18th century, is located at the twentieth kilometer along the road leading from Nevsehir to Kirsehir. It is the site of an interesting mosque which is a prestigious example of Ottoman art. A few kilometers from Gulsehir is the village of Acik Saray - a complex of dwellings and monasteries carved out of the tuff. The churches and chapels found there are quite different from the other sacred buildings of the region and are clearly reflective of the iconoclastic era.
(UK-AY) 05.05.2004