Cavusin Village Cavusin Village can be found nestled between the towns of Avanos and Goreme, within a valley that has gradually widened over time. Once home to numerous Christian Orthodox families at the start of the 20th century, the village's houses were actively occupied until 1924, when a population exchange took place between Greece and Turkey. As part of this compulsory exchange, all Turkish Muslim citizens in Greece had to relocate to Turkey, while around 1.2 million Christians left Turkey. Upon arriving in Cavusin Village, the Greek immigrants were accommodated in the homes of local Greek villagers who had left the area. However, since there were fewer immigrants than local residents, many houses remained vacant and unoccupied. Over time, these abandoned homes fell into a state of disrepair, with no one around to maintain or repair them as they sat unused on the outskirts of the town. Tragically, in the 1950s, a landslide caused by falling rocks forced the government to evacuate the entire village. The government then provided subsidies for the construction of new houses in a safer area on the plateau. Thus, the once-thriving Cavusin Village now stands empty, its abandoned homes serving as a stark reminder of its rich history and the population exchange that forever altered the town's landscape. Cavusin Village boasts houses that are carved into the surrounding rock formations. These structures have been shaped by natural elements like rain, wind, and earthquakes, resulting in many of their interiors being eroded. To reach the top of the village, visitors can follow a winding path that affords breathtaking views of Red Valley and Uchisar Castle. At the village's highest point, visitors will find the 5th-century Saint John the Baptist church, the second-oldest church in Cappadocia. This church contains a unique fresco depicting "The Murder of St. John," which has survived ruthless erasures. Another church worth exploring in Cavusin Village is Nicophoras Phocas, which is one of the best-preserved churches in Cappadocia. The Byzantine Emperor Nicophoras Phocas ordered the church's construction during his visit to Cappadocia in the 960s, and it contains vivid paintings depicting the life of Jesus. Dating back to around 965, the church features a painting of Nicophoras and his family. Some of the scenes depicted in Nicophoras Phocas include the Annunciation, Visitation, Proof of the Virgin, Flight into Egypt, Joseph's Dream II, Blessing and Mission of the Apostles, Adoration of the Magi, Massacre of the Innocents, Pursuit of Elizabeth, Killing of Zacharias, Entry into Jerusalem, Raising of Lazarus, Healing of the Blind Man, Descent from the Cross, and Women at the Tomb. The north apse of the church features a painting of Emperor Nicophoras Phocas and his family, making it a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts alike.