AVANOS

Avanos is set on the banks of the Kizilirmak, the Red River, which divides Cappadocia through Gulsehir and Avanos. The town is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Goreme. Avanos has a lively shopping center with all the usual amenities including a modern, tourist orientated hamam (Turkish Bath). A travelling market visits Avanos on Fridays. We suggest a visit to Avanos for individiual travelers on Fridays. You can find almost everything from textiles to vegetables and fruits.

Starting just outside the shopping center the old village of Avanos winds up the hills leading away from the town and is a beautiful maze of old stone houses, some restored, some converted and some sadly abandoned to their fate. In some of the abandoned houses the features of traditional Ottoman architecture can be seen along with ancient decorations, motifs and murals. The Kizilirmak (red) river is the longest river in Turkey and it does not only separate the town from other parts of Cappadocia, but also gives the supplies the clay for pottery. It is by this river that the red pottery clay is found from which Avanos derives it's main livelihood and it's foremost claim to fame. Pottery has been produced in the Avanos area for several centuries and some of the techniques still used date back to Hittite times to 2000 BC. Avanos is a mass of family run potteries. Avanos pots make wonderful souvenirs and are available at a wide range of prices from simple ashtrays and mugs to ornate plates and chess sets.

About 14 kilometers (9 miles) from Avanos is the underground city of Ozkonak. The 13th century Seljuk caravaserai, Sarihan (where whirling dervishes ceremonies are performed today), is only about 3 kilometers (2 miles) away.

On one of our Cappadocia Tours, we will have our lunch in Avanos and see the demonstration of pottery by kick-wheel technique. Our guests will also try to make a pot.



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