The Phrygian Valley, which covers a large area within the provinces of Kütahya, Afyonkarahisar and Eskişehir, draws attention with its resemblance to Cappadocia. Especially the Memeç Rocks, where Cem Yılmaz shot the AROG film, are one of the places visited by tourists. It is known that these fairy chimneys are tufa rock structures formed by the effects of rain and wind. In the region where camel and horse tourism is also developing, balloon tours are organized just like in Cappadocia. Tours rise over Lake Emre at the first light of the morning. Although the valley is also on the World Cultural Heritage Tentative List by UNESCO, vandals without environmental awareness are damaging the unique cultural heritage.
CAVE CAFES
The Ayazini Village of the İhsaniye district of the city has also become a touristic area in recent years, and the rock tombs and churches in the village have been standing for exactly 3 thousand years. In addition to Seljuk, Ottoman and Republic works, there are also cafes in the region where Roman and Hittite works are located. The villagers both make and sell local products. According to the findings of archaeologists, there are 300 caves of various sizes and 35 churches and chapels in the village. Efforts are also underway to open the caves in the village to tourism.
VANDALS AT WORK
In the region known as Phrygia, one of the most important routes is the Ancient Road. While many studies have been carried out on the traces on the road, if it is confirmed, Even from GöbeklitepeIt is assumed that it may be ski. However The caves in the valley have become the target of vandals who lack environmental awareness.. The damage caused by those who carved their love and wrote their names on the walls with spray paint is causing a reaction from the citizens. Some of the cave walls are full of holes.
WARNINGS MUST BE MADE
Known as the second Cappadocia of Anatolia, Phrygia also has over 500 kilometers of trails and is a popular spot for cyclists, nature walkers and photographers. However, plastic packaging and waste scattered haphazardly on the ground in these areas also cause environmental pollution. Experts, on the other hand, underline that public service announcements and warnings should be broadcasted constantly in order to protect cultural heritage.
Afyon, one of the cities that hosts the Phrygian Valley, has been a city that has been hosting tourists in recent years. The colorful houses in the center have also become a popular tourist spot with their recent restoration, while some historical houses have been opened to visitors. However, the cigarette butt waste caused by smokers in the region is disturbing sensitive citizens.
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