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The Glossary

eyvan - "a vaulted recess usually found in tombs."

From Turkey Glossary

Although the province of Central Anatolia is completely landlocked, this dusty region has been the very reason why tribes and empires collide. From ancient conquerors to modern-day visitors, everyone seems to want a piece of Central Anatolia and its surreal Cappadocia landscape, striking Roman sites in Ankara, medieval Ottoman mosques in Amasya, and Safranbolu's grand caravanserais and hamams (Turkish baths).

Originally founded as a city by the Hittites some 3000 years ago, this ancient region is formerly known as Asia Minor at the heartland of modern Turkey. Today, much of the region's relics can be found at Konya's Mevlâna Museum and Museum of Anatolian Civilization in Ankara. Visitors who want to trace the footprints of the ancient settlements can start rummaging Ankara's ancient hilltop fortress and Grand Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk.

Close to Ankara is Amasya, famous for its rock face tombs perched in cliffs, as well as for fine Ottoman houses, mosques, and Hittite ruins and religious bas-reliefs at Bogazkale. In addition, Konya has Seljuk catacombs, while Gordion contains the tomb of King Midas, which dates back to as old as 2700 years.

Of course, Cappadocia is at the top of the must-sees. Here, travelers can explore lavishly-adorned caves, homes, churches and fairy chimneys. Tourists may also ride a hot-air balloon, try decoding the cuneiform in Hattusa, or appreciate the Ottoman mansions of Safranbolu.

Before heading back home, it is advisable for tourists to sample Tokat's kebap (skewered meat), considered as the best in Central Anatolia. There is also a thermal spa in Sivas, where the hot springs are shared with a school of fish.

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