THE CENTER OF CAPPADOCIA ORTAHISAR
We unfortunately do not have any document regarding the founding of Ortahisar. However, we understand that Ortahisar has been used as a settlement since earlier ages when we see a lot of ruins belong that time.
The natural castles of Ortahisar that are impossible to be climbed have been sanctuary for trade caravans in Hittites period . These santuaries have been used as settlement In Roman Empire period . After Roman period , these were used by Byzantine , Seljuq and Ottoman for same purpose and came till today. Ortahisar is a special and important town in this region. This importance is rising due to there are many carved settlement in rocks and a lot of churches .
Undoubtly ,the main reason of what makes Ortahisar importance was the best place for the people’s safety and of life and property .
On the other hand , another reason of people’s preference is that there are thicker and higher tuff rock layer around the town . Also , carving of the tuff rocks and stones easily made the people’s life.
Ortahisar that has been important center in all historical age has maintained its importance in Byzantine period even this importance rised in that period. For this reason , Many chuches , chapels and hundreds places has been built around its fields.
Being of Ortahisar totally a Turkish town started by coming and settling here of eight brothers with their families in the leadership of one of Saint of Horasan name ‘’ Hibe Dede ‘’. According to a conventional wisdom , coming of this crowded family is around 1270’s , 1280’s . Hibe Dede who is leather craftman teached how to make leather clothes and various things to the community of the town.