Cappadocia: The Greek-speaking guide Saim Örnek recommends the best places to visit

Cappadocia is enchanting for everyone—but for Greeks, it holds a special significance. 

You've seen photos of the sky filled with hot air balloons at sunrise over impressive and peculiar conical formations, rare frescoes inside rock-cut monasteries, underground cities, and picturesque villages. This is Cappadocia, one of the most beautiful places in Turkey. A unique landscape, warm and friendly people, and excellent food. During our trip there, our guide was Dr. Saim Örnek. Saim spoke impeccable Greek, having studied Greek philology, and helped us not only explore known and unknown parts of Cappadocia but also understand its spirit. We asked him to share his story and the ten must-visit places in Cappadocia. 

Saim, how did you learn Greek so well?

In Turkey, as in Greece, after high school, we take exams similar to the Panhellenic exams. I had chosen the language track in high school, so I could only enter corresponding university departments. When the results were announced, I didn't have many points because I wasn't among the top students. We had to list 24 choices. Initially, I listed English, Spanish, German, French Philology, and some other departments I knew, but I couldn't complete the list. So, without knowing much about them, I added departments like Modern Greek Philology, Ancient Greek Philology, Latin, etc. 

I was shocked when I saw that I was accepted into Modern Greek Philology—I expected to get into other departments earlier on the list. Fortunately, I had placed the Modern Greek Philology department of Ankara University before Ancient Greek Philology, so I ended up there; otherwise, I might have become an archaeologist. Anyway, when I started the program, I didn't even know the word "kalimera"! My parents knew nothing about it but supported me because they believed it was important for me to study. Ultimately, this department wasn't just a university for me—it changed my life.

I had excellent professors, some of whom I still keep in touch with. I learned a lot about the language, culture, and mindset of the Greeks. After graduating, I randomly started a master's in Folklore and connected my research with Greece and shared cultural elements. I received a scholarship from the Greek Ministry of Education and lived in Greece for the first time for 10 months—there, I significantly improved my Greek. 

Later, I was appointed as a researcher at the university, where I continued my studies and completed a Ph.D. related to the cultural relations between Greece and Turkey and the 1923 population exchange. At some point, I wanted to guide friends from Greece who were coming to Cappadocia, but without a license, I couldn't. So, I attended the Guide School of Cappadocia University, got my diploma, and started working as a guide. Since then, I speak Greek almost daily and now feel truly comfortable.

So, you've lived in Greece as well. How was the experience?

Yes, I lived for about a year when I received the scholarship. Since then, I return almost every year for other reasons—conferences, research programs, Erasmus, etc. If I add it all up, I must have lived over two years in Greece. It's a country that has given me a lot. 

Eventually, you decided to change professions and become a guide...

I had noticed a lack of Greek-speaking guides in Turkey. Most are either Greeks from Istanbul or from Thrace. Yet, there's significant interest from Greece in traveling to Turkey, especially to Cappadocia and the Asia Minor homelands. I felt I could fill this gap—not just as a professional but also with a deep love for both cultures. 

Do many Greeks come to Cappadocia?

Yes, more and more every year. Prejudices and fears are gradually fading. I remember when I first told my mother I was going to Greece for studies, she said: "Please don't go. They might kill you there." Now, she happily prepares food for my friends coming from Greece and sends gifts with them!

What changes us is personal contact. Only if you meet the "other" can you understand how much you have in common and break down stereotypes. Many Greeks tell me: "I never imagined Turkey like this!" And the same happens with Turks who visit Greece.

Do you accompany Turkish friends or tourists to Greece, given that you know the country, the language, and the people?

Of course, many times. I really enjoy showing them Greece and explaining the history, culture, and customs. I'm thinking of organizing cultural interest trips for Turks to Greece in the future. The fast-track visa has greatly facilitated access, and I hope that one day Turks can visit Greece without a visa. Only through experience and contact will perceptions truly change. 

Can you tell us the 10 most beautiful places in Cappadocia that we shouldn't miss?

Cappadocia is enchanting for everyone—but for Greeks, it holds a special significance. Many have origins from here and, upon returning, embark on a journey through time.

As a Greek-speaking guide who has lived here for over 10 years, I recommend:

1. The Göreme Open-Air Museum – with significant early Christian churches.
2. Paşabağ and Zelve – with the most impressive "fairy chimneys."
3. The Valley of Imagination (Devrent) – formations resembling animals and faces.
4. Avanos – for traditional pottery and the Kızılırmak River bridge.
5. Sinasos (Mustafapaşa) – Greek architecture and history.
6. The underground city of Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu – a unique monument of ancient survival.
7. Ihlara Valley – natural beauty and monastic frescoes.
8. The Gümüşler Monastery – rare iconography of the Virgin Mary smiling.
9. Niğde – a cultural hub of Cappadocia.
10. Kayseri – the ancient city of Saint Basil and Byzantine tradition.

Of course, Cappadocia isn't limited to these. It takes at least four days to see the basics—but every moment is worth it.

Info: Saim Örnek, PhD in Folklore, Greek-speaking guide

Email: saimornek@yahoo.com

Phone: +90 554 322 1703

Instagram: @xenagos_kappadokia

We thank the Turkish Tourism Organization (TGA) and the Culture and Tourism Office, Embassy of Turkey in Athens, for their hospitality.

For more details, you can read the full article here.