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Pigeon Valley (Güverçinlik Vadisi) connects the towns of Göreme and Üçhisar in Cappadocia. It sits within the boundaries of Göreme Historical National Park (Göreme Tarihî Milli Parkı) and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia.
Overlook at Pigeon Valley
Tours of Cappadocia often stop at the overlook just south of Üçhisar. It provides great views of Üçhisar with Üçhisar Castle towering above the town. There’s also an easy six kilometer hike between Göreme and Üçhisar through the length of the valley that I hope to do on a future trip.
Pigeons!
True to its name, there are hundreds of pigeons flying around the valley. Many can be found sitting on the cliffside near the overlook.
Pigeon Valley is full of pigeons thanks to the dovecotes, or pigeon holes, carved into the cliff faces. Each dovecote contains niches for the pigeons to roost.
Local Christians would use the pigeon excrement gathered from the nests in the dovecotes as fertilizer. They would also use it to enhance the colors of the frescoes in the cave churches. Furthermore, pigeons were an important source of food.
Wishing Tree
In addition to the pigeons, the overlook is a good place to see an ancient tradition. The branches of a wishing tree are full of evil eyes and small pieces of cloth. Before the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1924, local Greeks would tie cloths to the trees for good luck. The Turks who remained in the area as well as those moved in to replace the Greeks carry on the tradition today.
You’ll also find a few other quirky things at the Pigeon Valley overlook as well as plenty of tourist facilities, souvenirs, and more.
