In the long river of history, there is a breathtaking wonder hidden - the Kemakli Dungeon. In 1963, this mysterious underground world was unveiled by the Turks, revealing its stunning magnificence. The structure with up to 13 floors underground, 85 meters deep into the ground, is like a huge labyrinth, twisting and turning, full of unknowns and mysteries.
This dungeon is not a simple cave, but a fully functional underground city. Ventilation systems ensure air circulation, and groundwater serves as a source of drinking water to nourish the residents. What's even more amazing is that the entire dungeon is carefully excavated in the hard volcanic rock, showing the extraordinary architectural skills and perseverance of the ancients.
The dungeon was once a shelter for the ancient inhabitants from the chaos of war and could accommodate up to 20,000 people. Here, social hierarchies are still clearly visible. Poor residents live in dimly lit floors, while the middle class occupies the middle floors. The top floor is home to the wealthy and powerful, spacious, well-ventilated, and easy to escape. There are also some shelters for livestock and poultry at the top. This layout is reminiscent of the social class distribution on the Titanic, which shows that some characteristics of human nature transcend time and space.
The construction of the Kemakli Dungeon began 2,800 years ago, but its true origins are unknown. However, this dungeon is not set in stone. Over the course of history, a group of Christians have lived here, and they have expanded the underground city, building underground churches, houses of worship and schools, adding a strong religious and cultural heritage to this underground city.
The Underground City of Kemakli is not only a witness to history, but also a symbol of wisdom and courage. It bears witness to the wisdom and tenacity of the ancient people, as well as the unremitting pursuit of peace and tranquility by mankind. Imagine the underground of Gaza today to understand why the ancients were keen to build underground cities.