Three Beauties

"Ürgüp’s iconic "Three Beauties" fairy chimneys stand as one of the most symbolic landmarks of Cappadocia, representing a captivating blend of natural beauty and folklore. These three fairy chimneys—two larger ones said to resemble adults and a smaller one symbolizing a child—are rooted in two enchanting legends that deepen their cultural significance. According to the first legend, a princess from Cappadocia fell in love with a shepherd, a union her father, the king, vehemently opposed. Despite her royal status, the princess eloped with the shepherd and gave birth to a child. Hoping her father would relent after the birth, she returned with her family, but the king's anger only intensified. Pursued by the king's soldiers, the princess prayed for a miracle, and in response, she, her husband, and their child were transformed into the fairy chimneys that now symbolize their eternal bond. Local lore suggests that families seeking to conceive would visit these chimneys, circling them seven times in hopes of being blessed with children. Another legend weaves a tale of unity and love between humans and fairies. In this story, fairies helped the people of Cappadocia by extinguishing fires set by evil giants. A deep friendship developed between humans and fairies, and eventually, the fairy sultan's daughter, Gülperi, and the human prince, Revan, fell in love. But their love was not accepted by people, leading to the departure of the fairies. Gülperi, turned into a white dove, visited Revan daily, though he believed she had abandoned him. He waited faithfully until the end of his life, holding and caring for the dove, believing it was a symbol of his lost love. Today, the "Three Beauties" fairy chimneys are one of the most photographed locations in Cappadocia, especially during sunset when the landscape is illuminated in a breathtaking palette of colors. With Mount Erciyes in the background, these stone formations offer a mesmerizing view that encapsulates the region's magical allure."