Why people still choose cave homes in Cappadocia, Kandovan and Zhongdong

Life in caves may sound like a relic of the distant past—images of early humans or far‑flung places where time seems to stand still. Yet today, people in developed countries deliberately choose caves as their homes, seeing them as a practical, contemporary way to live. From snug rock‑hewn houses in Turkey to entire communities in China and Iran, the tradition not only endures, it adapts to the demands of modern life. And all of this in an age of skyscrapers, smart homes, and high tech. So what makes life under stone vaults so compelling?

1. Cappadocia (Turkey)

One of the clearest examples of contemporary cave living is Turkey’s Cappadocia. Here, amid whimsical rock formations and the so‑called fairy chimneys, you’ll find dwellings carved straight into volcanic rock. Their history spans hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years. While many now serve as storerooms or guesthouses, some remain genuine family homes.

Residents say this lifestyle is not only practical but comfortable. Thanks to natural insulation, temperatures stay steady year‑round—cool in summer and warm in winter—making these homes energy‑efficient and easy to live in. It feels like a quiet counterargument to the assumption that comfort requires concrete and glass.

2. Kandovan (Iran)

In Iran’s village of Kandovan, cave life has grown into a tradition in its own right. People have carved homes into the soft rock for more than 700 years. Today, about a thousand residents live there and have no intention of swapping their unique dwellings for standard houses. The caves need minimal upkeep and maintain a comfortable microclimate—especially valuable in the region’s tough conditions.

3. Zhongdong (China)

China’s Zhongdong is another striking place where cave living is the norm. Inside a vast cavern at an altitude of 1,800 meters lies a whole settlement. Despite its remoteness, residents have built a comfortable daily life while keeping close to nature. The example underscores how people can adapt to the most unexpected living conditions.

Why do caves still make sense?

What keeps people in the 21st century rooted in such places? The reasons are layered. Tradition is one: for many, this way of life is an inheritance worth preserving. Economics is another: caves demand virtually no construction outlay and rely minimally on external resources. In a world that often equates progress with more gadgets and more glass, that logic feels refreshingly straightforward.

There’s also the promise of seclusion rarely found in modern cities. It’s a space where the bond with nature is palpable, a chance to step away from the rush and focus inward. It’s no accident that caves have long been settings for spiritual practice and retreat.

Today, many cave houses are turning into fashionable hotels that offer a distinctive experience. In Cappadocia, they come equipped with modern essentials—from running water to Wi‑Fi. Perhaps the future will bring more innovations that position caves within environmentally sustainable architecture.

Cave homes are not only monuments to the past; they show how ancient solutions can fit smoothly into the modern world. These dwellings suggest that tradition and innovation can move in step, opening fresh horizons for housing that respects nature and ancestral heritage.