Number of tourists visiting Cappadocia region increases

Number of Turkish and foreign tourists visiting Cappadocia region in central Turkey increased by 30 percent in 2010.
Local authorities in the central province of Nevsehir told the A.A that 2.18 million tourists including 1.49 million foreigners visited the region, wich is worldwide famous with its fairy chimneys.
Cappadocia is the common name of the field covered by the provinces of Aksaray, Nevsehir, Nigde, Kayseri and Kirsehir in the Central Anatolian region.
Volcanic eruptions occurred in Erciyes, Hasandag and Gulludag in the upper Myosen period. A large tableland was formed from the volcanic tufas together with the erosion of the Kizilirmak river and wind over ten thousands of years, resulting in chimney rocks (Fairy Chimneys) which are considered a wonder of the nature.
Cappadocia was one of the most important places in the spreading periods of the Christian religion. The first christians trying to escape from the Roman soldiers who wanted to avoid the spreading of the Christian religion have settled in the region of Cappadocia which was so suitable for hiding and so they were able to continue their natures and to spread their religions.
The Goreme National Park which was designated as World Cultural Heritage Site in 1985, the Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve Pasabaglari, Kaymakli and Derinkuyu underground settlements are the favourite tourist attractions in the area.