Secret Passages
Several weeks ago, scientists Corrado Malanga from the University of Pisa and Filippo Biondi from the University of Strathclyde used advanced radar technology to see a huge void and posts under the Giza pyramids. To clarify, the men found vast underground structures extending to depths of up to 648 meters (about 2,126 feet) for the cylindrical wells and even deeper structures at a claimed depth of 4,000 feet (about 1,220 meters) beneath the Giza pyramids.
As a result, people worldwide are trying to understand what the purpose of the structure is doing under the pyramid and why we are just discovering it now. I will write a more in-depth article on this fascinating find soon. Meanwhile, this discovery reminded me of the underground cities in Turkey that we are already aware of but don't talk much about. So, I want to share some interesting information on a few massive structures, all found in the same country. Let's see if you can start to connect the dots.
To begin with, Derinkuyu is one of Turkey's most astounding archaeological discoveries—and perhaps the world. This ancient underground city, nestled deep within the volcanic rock of Cappadocia, stretches over 280 feet below the surface and once sheltered up to 20,000 people, including their livestock and food supplies.
The way back machine
Built with astonishing engineering precision, Derinkuyu raises powerful questions about who constructed it and why it is such a complex infrastructure that existed so long ago.
Moreover, most scholars attribute its origins to the Phrygians or Hittites, around the 8th or 7th century BCE (2,725 to 2,825 years ago), with later expansions by early Christian communities. The city features ventilation shafts, rolling stone doors, wells, churches, and even schools—all carved underground. Its design suggests far more than a temporary refuge—it was a sustainable, livable city, potentially used for generations.
Save the Date
In addition, Derinkuyu is not alone. Astonishingly, Turkey is home to over 200 underground cities—many of which remain unexplored, primarily clustered in the Cappadocia region. These sites may be connected via tunnels that span miles, suggesting large-scale governance or an ancient network of refuge systems built with deliberate coordination. Some researchers even propose that these cities exist to shield populations from catastrophic surface events, such as volcanic eruptions or cosmic impacts.
Equally important is Turkey's Göbekli Tepe (read my blog here), often referred to as the world's oldest known temple, dating back to around 9600 BCE (11,625 years ago). So, with this information, we can now question modern archeological dogma. Like Derinkuyu, this is shocking—these sites suggest organized, complex societies existed 6,000 years earlier than mainstream archaeology once believed.
Meanwhile, the site features massive T-shaped pillars arranged in precise circular enclosures. The site is rich with animal symbols and celestial alignments. Its sheer antiquity defies conventional timelines of human civilization, fueling alternative theories of a forgotten advanced culture with deep astronomical knowledge.
Hidden Valley Ranch
However, the mysteries don't end there. Turkey is a land teeming with enigmatic ancient sites, many of which defy easy explanation. For instance, Mount Nemrut stuns visitors with its colossal stone heads and astrological symbolism. At the same time, Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic settlement dated to 7500 BCE, presents a city with no streets and homes entered from the roofs. This unusual layout invites speculation about cultural practices and survival strategies.
Furthermore, sites like Karahantepe, a sibling site to Göbekli Tepe, reveal similar T-shaped pillars, subterranean chambers, and anthropomorphic statues. These features raise serious questions about what kind of people built them and what knowledge they possessed. Many researchers now believe these sites were part of a sophisticated and symbol-rich spiritual tradition with a deep understanding of cosmic cycles.
There is always more
Even more intriguingly, Dara, Phrygian Valley, and Alacahöyük stand out for their non-conventional architectural features and mysterious symbolism. Firstly, Dara is an underground hydraulic wonder with crazy cosmic alignments. It is near Mardin and has remarkable water engineering. Roman in appearance but possibly built over far older ruins, Dara includes aqueducts, water tanks, and chambers hewn from stone that form a vast, hidden infrastructure. Further, researchers point out an interesting fact: Dara's underground water systems appear to align with the celestial constellations of Orion.
Additionally, spiraling symbols and abstract patterns etched into Dara's walls resemble Sumerian astronomical motifs. As a result, this leads to speculation that the site once functioned as a ritual space or cosmic observatory, not just a water depot. Consequently, theorists suggest that Dara may have been part of a post-cataclysmic survival plan designed with both spiritual and practical knowledge in mind.
Second, Phrygian Valley, located in western Turkey, is captivated by its massive stone monuments, most notably the Midas Monument, a giant façade carved into rock without any interior chamber. Conventional archaeology sees it as a religious site dedicated to the Mother Goddess Cybele, yet alternative theories point toward its acoustic properties.
No one Knows
Indeed, many visitors and researchers have noted that sound resonates powerfully across the monument's surface, suggesting the ancient Phrygians understood and possibly utilized vibrational frequencies. Further, some propose that the site serves as a sound temple for healing or consciousness alteration. Moreover, the geometric alignment of Phrygian structures hints at solar and lunar orientations, reinforcing the idea that the culture is deeply aware of astronomical cycles and energetic dynamics.
Finally, Alacahöyük in central Anatolia is one of Turkey's oldest ceremonial centers, showcasing Hattian and Hittite artifacts, including the famous Sphinx Gate. Yet beyond its historical importance, the site invites non-conventional interpretations. Some believe the gate aligns with the summer solstice and is a symbolic or functional stargate—a portal for connecting with other planets, realms, or consciousness states.
Even more curious are the polygonal stone blocks found at Alacahöyük, which resemble megalithic construction in Peru and Egypt. These architectural features challenge the notion that the site was merely a Bronze Age temple. They suggest the influence—or remnants—of a global civilization with advanced engineering capabilities. In addition, symbols found throughout the site, such as winged creatures and circular sun motifs, only deepen one's curiosity as they echo designs from other ancient and sacred sites worldwide.
The "real" Silicon Valley
To sum up, while Derinkuyu remains one of the most incredible underground cities ever discovered, it is only one part of Turkey's vast and highly mysterious archaeological landscape. Sites like Göbekli Tepe, Karahantepe, Mount Nemrut, Dara, Phrygian Valley, and Alacahöyük each add unique pieces to a broader puzzle—one that suggests the presence of advanced ancient knowledge, possibly lost in the mists of time or Earth's 6,000-year cycle (read my blog here).
In conclusion, Turkey remains unmatched in its abundance of ancient underground cities. Further, Turkey is a global epicenter of ancient subterranean architecture and mystery, boasting over 200 documented sites, many still unexcavated. Meanwhile, multiple theories suggest these structures exist to survive wars, climate events, or even cosmic disasters. As our hearts and minds expand, these underground cities will unlock new insights into our shared civilizations, lost knowledge, and global connections.
