Ortahisar means “middle castle” or “midcastle.” The giant land mass contains many rock-cut areas, particularly a large one nicknamed ‘the castle.’ The location is typical of ancient and medieval Cappadocian settlements in that the area was large enough for extensive excavation and there was an ample water supply (Rodley 5). The high vantage point was also useful for defense.
The area is still inhabited, and the city of Ortahisar (near the city of Ürgüp) has shops, restaurants, and hotels. Some rock-cut spaces are used for storage of produce.
Reference: Rodley, Lyn. Cave Monasteries of Byzantine Cappadocia. Orig. pub. 1985. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010.
For the modern site, see also: “Ortahisar and Ortahisar Castle” in Heritage Travel, http://www.goreme.com/ortahisar.php
