Avanos
Avanos is a fun little village on the Kızılırmak (Red River), so named for the appearance of the clay that lines its banks. A wobbly suspension footbridge spans the river near the busy town square and a couple of cafés are placed on the waterfront. Pottery making vies with tourism as the important industry here. Using clay from the river, artisans produce designs caused by Central Anatolian archaeological findings, particularly Hittite-style vessels, and motifs; many also provide their own unique pieces, both functional and decorative. Pottery is a family affair, so in shops you’ll see younger family members painting pieces as their fathers and grandfathers hit the kick wheel. Almost all local potters will give free presentations that showcase traditional methods.
Avanos is also well-known for its underground tunnels, some of which may point to as-yet-undiscovered underground cities or link up with larger ones in Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. Özkonak, located off a dirt road 15 km (9 miles) north of Avanos, is thought to be quite large but hasn’t been as widely excavated as Derinkuyu Kaymakli; and, with only four levels currently open to the public, it’s far less attractive.