Overview:

Zelve Open Air Museum is one of the most important preserved sites of Kappadokia region in Nevsehir in Turkey. It includes three Seljuk and Roman-period settlements in and around the two valleys of Pasabag Valley and Zemre Valley. The valleys have a complex network of sheltered dwellings, churches, common spaces, pigeon houses, and more. Dating back to the 8th and 13th centuries, the site highlights the ability of the region's inhabitants to adapt to the natural environment. The site offers a unique insight into the traditional way of life. Visitors can explore the many buildings and view the intricate reliefs, frescoes and architecture which highlight the importance of art of that period. In addition, the museum is surrounded by a tranquil atmosphere and can provide visitors with some of the best views in the region. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. Historically Important Monument: Zelve is an ancient historic settlement and an important open-air museum in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. For more than a thousand years, the ancient site has been used as a residential area, a monastic center, and a military garrison. It was declared a protected historic site in 1997, making it one of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites. 2. Breathtaking Valley View: Zelve is located high on a pant-shaped hill in the Göreme National Park, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the valley, fairy chimneys, and rock formations below. The views are especially stunning during sunrise and sunset, when the rosy light casts a warm glow over the landscape. 3. Homes Carved into the Valley Rocks: The most amazing feature of Zelve is the hundreds of dwellings carved into the valley rocks by the region’s original inhabitants. These fascinating dwellings have stood the test of time, and provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the past. 4. Churches and Monasteries: Zelve is home to several ancient monasteries and churches. The Ortahamamı Church, for example, dates back to the 12th century and features stunning frescoes, while other sites such as the Zelve Monastery and the Ala Church are full of history and amazing architecture. 5. Spectacular Roofless Mosques: Zelve is home to a number of spectacular roofless mosques that were carved into the rocks during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. These incredible mosques provide visitors with a unique insight into the history of the region. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

The Zelve Open Air Museum, located in the Goreme Valley in the Nevsehir province of Central Turkey, is a complex of three abandoned settlements that span five thousand years of human history. It is the most important open-air museum in Cappadocia and is believed to be the longest continually inhabited settlement in the region. The earliest inhabitants of the area were the Hittites, a Anatolian people who built apartment-style dwellings within its cave-like structure. Later, the Byzantines inhabited the area and may have used the settlement as a monastic retreat. To this day, the Byzantine influence is still seen in the two remaining churches. In the 13th century, the area was used as a Seljuk stronghold, where they fortified the already impressive structures. Later, it was conquered by the Ottomans, who used it as a shelter for their Christian subjects. In the 19th century, the complex was almost completely abandoned, and it was rediscovered in 1958 while the region was undergoing an archeological survey. In 1966, the Zelve Open Air Museum was officially opened. It is now part of the Göreme National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Zelve Open Air Museum provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich history. The museum’s complex consists of three abandoned valleys known as the Pasabaglari, Cemişigüzel, and Zemişigüzel valleys. Here, visitors will find elaborate dwelling caves, churches, chapels, monasteries, and an underground city. Its remarkable structures are testimonies to the enduring legacy of humanity in the Cappadocia region. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Zelve Open Air Museum is one of the oldest and largest open-air museums of Cappadocia, located in Nevşehir, Turkey. 2. The Zelve area consists of three valleys with several churches, abbeys, mosques, and houses dating back to 3rd century AD. 3. The first documentation of the area dates back to the 11th century, during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan. 4. The site was home to many civilizations and religions, including Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism, over the centuries. 5. The museum features some fascinating caves, churches, windy balconies, and stunning valleys. 6. The place also offers an incredible observation point for hot air balloon rides. 7. Zelve is a great place for visitors to explore the history, culture, and architecture of ancient civilizations. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era