Aydıntepe Underground City The Aydıntepe Underground City is an extraordinary human-made structure situated in the rural area of Bayburt Province, Turkey, approximately 25 km (16 miles) to the northwest of Bayburt, underneath residential zones. This ancient underground settlement is carved into volcanic tufa-stone and features various chambers, passageways, and large halls, all constructed without the use of traditional building materials. The size of the chambers ranges from 2-5 meters (6.6 ft.) beneath the surface, and their design is self-supporting, meaning no additional structural support is required. The smaller rooms measure 1 meter wide by 2 meters high, and there are eight cone-shaped shafts positioned above the passageways, likely serving as observation or ventilation points. Unfortunately, some of the entrances and structures are now unreachable due to collapse or later construction. At the entrance to the underground city, there is a round stone piece with a 1.5-meter diameter, which can be used to seal off the city from the outside when necessary. The tombs above and the figures found inside suggest a history that spans over two millennia, from the late Roman or early Byzantine period through to the Christian and Islamic eras. Underground cities provided a secure refuge from persecution and conflict. Within the city, there are cellars, storage areas, water supplies, and a swimming pool. When these underground cities were operational, they were fortified with a closing mechanism and a guard chamber as essential parts of their design. If you have any questions or need more information about the Aydıntepe Underground City, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected], or simply message us on Whatsapp, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.