Runoff drainage, groundwater exploitation and irrigation with underground channels in Cappadocia: Meskendir Valley case-study

- Groundwater drainage tunnels, exploiting the small local perched aquifers. A drainage tunnel perpendicular to the axis of the valley can be observed. The tunnel, which intercepts the aquifer, is blocked at its outlet so as to create a cistern. Here, spring waters are stored to be used especially for irrigation. These cisterns might also favor condensation during the night. The simultaneous presence of these multi-purpose water works, a unique case in the pre-industrial era, testifies to a deep understanding of hydrological cycles by the ancient inhabitants of Cappadocia, as well as the close linkage between human activities, land and water resources.