Özkonak is one of many examples of an underground city in Cappadocia which was carved into the mountains in ancient times. The underground settlement is in the center of the town of Ozkonak.  It was hollowed out of tufa rock. 

The site would have housed both families and livestock. Carved into the rock itself, the primary tunnels would have also been used to trap intruders. Moreover, thick millstones propped up from behind made accessing certain tunnels difficult and the city’s residents could direct enemies to their death by leading them down certain more treacherous routes.

Indeed, one fascinating aspect of the remains at Özkonak are the narrow holes carved into the ceiling of certain chambers and passageways. These were used not only for ventilation and communication but could also have been utilized by the occupants on upper floors to attack and pour hot oil onto any attackers in the rooms below.

This particular site also boasts a well, a winery and a ventilation shaft – all essential features for a civilization that could be forced to flee into the mountains for long periods.