PASABAG (MONKS VALLEY)

Pasabag, also known as Monks Valley, is a unique and picturesque valley located in Cappadocia, Turkey. It is famous for its towering fairy chimneys, some of which have multiple "heads" and resemble mushrooms.

The name "Monks Valley" comes from the fact that Christian monks are said to have once inhabited the area, seeking seclusion and spiritual retreat in the cave dwellings and rock-cut churches that dot the valley. The fairy chimneys in Pasabag are among the most striking and unusual in Cappadocia, with some reaching up to 40 meters (130 feet) in height.

One of the most fascinating features of Pasabag is the way the fairy chimneys have been eroded by wind and weather over time. The rock formations are made up of a soft tuff layer capped by a harder basalt layer, which creates a protective hat that shields the softer tuff below from erosion. As a result, the tuff layer underneath can be eroded away, leaving behind intricate and sometimes fantastical shapes and formations.

Today, visitors can explore Pasabag and marvel at the strange and beautiful rock formations. There are also several rock-cut chapels and hermitages that visitors can explore, many of which feature intricate frescoes and carvings dating back to the Byzantine era. Pasabag is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Cappadocia.