Overview:

Ihlara Valley is situated in the South Central Anatolia Region of Turkey between the Nevsehir and Aksaray provinces. It is located some 45 kilometers to the south and 11 kilometers to the north east of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cappadocian Valleys. It is one of Turkey's most spectacular valleys by far. The gorge has a unique combination of dramatic beauty and immense historical importance, making it a must-visit tourist destination. With its numerous churches, caves, rock cut churches, and underground settlements, this valley is a truly amazing place. The valley stretches for 14 kilometers along the Melendiz River and the steep-sided canyon is up to 100 meters deep. Geologically it formed when a fault line was created and the two sides of the valley started to move in opposite directions. Melendiz Stream, the main tributary of Kizilirmak River, winds through the valley. The valley is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, brown bears, foxes, badgers, mountain goats, and several species of deer. It's also a great spot for hikers, adventurers, and nature lovers, as the unique rock formations and lush vegetation create an unbelievably stunning landscape. A variety of restaurants, cafes, and guesthouses are available in the valley, offering tourists a place to rest or just take in the stunning scenery of the landscape. There are also cultural tours and visits to some of the ancient churches in the area. Ihlara Valley is a truly magical place that should not be missed when visiting Aksaray in Turkey. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. Beautiful river canyon: The spectacular Ihlara Valley is a 14 km long and 100 m deep river canyon carved into the volcanically active landscape of the region. With its rocky cliffs, steep rocky sides and lush green vegetation, it's an enchanting sight. 2. Thousands of caves: Ihlara Valley is home to hundreds of cave churches, carved into the limestone cliffs by early Christians in the 4th to 13th centuries. Some of these churches feature well-preserved frescoes and mosaics. 3. Unique flora and fauna: Ihlara Valley is home to unique flora and fauna, including wild roses, aspen, beech, and olive trees, as well as various bird species such as kingfishers, bee-eaters, and hobby birds. 4. Picturesque villages: Along the river banks of Ihlara Valley are numerous villages and hamlets, with winding cobblestone paths, stone houses, gardens, and vineyards. 5. Stunning views: Ihlara Valley offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Belisirma gorge, the nearby Lake Egirdir, and the majestic Mt. Hasan volcanic structure. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

The Ihlara valley, located in Aksaray province of Turkey, is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The valley was first inhabited by early Christians searching for refuge from persecution in the Roman Empire. From the 4th to the 12th century, the valley housed many isolated Christian communities, which left behind thousands of churches and cave dwellings carved into the rock walls. Originally known as the Peristrema valley, the area was renamed Ihlara by the Seljuk Sultan Alâeddin Keykubad I in 1220. During a campaign to increase power in the region, Sultan Alâeddin Keykubad I ordered the separation of the valley into two parts. One section was named Ihlara to honor one of his commanders and the other was given the name of Selime in acknowledgement of his father. Due to its remoteness and the isolated Christian communities in the area, Ihlara valley played an important role in the development of early Christian art and literature. Remnants of this rich cultural heritage can be seen in the many churches, murals, and manuscripts that have survived to this day. Today, the Ihlara Valley is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its scenic beauty and archaeological wonders. It is also a part of the Cappadocia region of Turkey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Ihlara Valley is located near the small town of Aksaray, and is part of the Cappadocia region. 2. The valley was formed from volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago and is 14 km long. 3. The valley is home to one of the largest complexes of rock-cut churches and monasteries in the world. 4. The churches were built as places of worship by Christians who were escaping the Roman persecution in the 4th century. 5. The Ihlara Valley was also once a refuge for monks, hermits and ascetics who practiced their faith in along the steep canyon walls. 6. The churches contain beautiful frescoes that depict Biblical scenes. 7. Many of the churches also feature geometric designs, which are thought to represent the cosmology of the ancient Christian faith. 8. The valley is also dotted with traditional Turkish pavers – terraces built by villagers carved into the canyon walls. 9. The terraces are still in use today and are popular sites during the summer months for picnickers. 10. Due to its historical and cultural significance, the Ihlara Valley was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era