Ihlara valley is situated 40km from Aksaray and can be reached making a turn at the 11th km of the Aksaray-Nevsehir road.
The canyon was created by the cracking and collapsing which occurred as a result of basalt and andesite lava from Mt. Hasandag’s eruption. The Melendiz river found its way through these cracks, eroding the canyon bed and helping to form canyon we see today. The Melendiz river used to be called “Potamus Kapadukus”meaning the River of Cappadocia.
Ihlara Canyon is 14km long, 100 -150m high valley begins at Ihlara valley and ends at Selime. There are numerous dwellings, churches and graves built into the valley walls, some of which are connected by tunnels and corridors.
The valley proved to be an ideal place for the seclusion and worship of monks, and a hideaway and defense area for people during times of invasion.
The decorations in the churches can be dated to various times from the 6th to the 13th centuries, and the churches can be classified into two groups. The churches near to Ihlara display frescoes with oriental influence. Those nearer to Belisirma display Byzantine type decorations.
Very few Byzantine inscriptions in this area can be read. Above a 13th century fresco in the church of St. George (Kirkdamatli), the names of Seljuk Sultan Mesud II (1282 – 1305) and the Byzantine Emperor Andronicos II are inscribed. This is proof of the tolerance of the Seljuk rulers. The best preserved frescos are to be found in the churches of Agacalti, Purenliseki, Kokar, Yilanli and Kirkdamatli.
Ihlara Valley is a 7km canyon cut into the dry Cappadocian wilderness by the Melendiz River. The floor of the gorge is lush and verdant. There are lots of rockcut Byzantine churches hidden in the vertical valley walls. It was a favourite place for early Christians to hide from Roman persecution.
Got to be a place to visit on a par with it's neighbour Cappadocia.It is 7 km long and if your up to it you can walk along the riverside. Plenty of stop offs with different churches all cut into the valley rocks. Sensible shoes are a must and be aware it is a walk down a lot of stairs…
A walk through the scenic Ilhara valley is a must. It takes about 3-4 hours, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and a hat and have a hearty breakfast/lunch. The simple course is serene and enjoyable. Midway through is a little refreshment stand with freshly squeezed orange juice and Turkish wraps, which you can enjoy.
The landscape is amazing. I was as told that the depth of the valley is around 150 meters. There are a river and churches down there. I didn't try to go down there, although it was possible. We only see it from above. It has been a hidden place for Christians, during the Arab raids to Cappadocia. I rate it…
We visit this valley as part of a tour, so we were not able to walk its full length. Nevertheless, the part we saw was very pretty and the churches were great. We were very glad that we were able to visit this valley
When going on a guided tour, sometimes you get taken to places that you just have to say to yourself, "OMG, when will this ever get over with?!" NOT SO at the Ihlara Valley!!! this place was BEAUTIFUL!!! Tree-lined streams, rock caves and churches…It was an explorer's dream come true.
Our Guide Mr. Mehmet Buyukata took us to this heavenly place where time just stood still, So fresh, so beautiful, the smell of clean air, nature at its best. The water was so cold, the trees so inviting, perfect place to destress. The walk from Ihlara Valley towards Belisirma took us about half an hour but we could have walked…
There are 4 entrances to Ihlara valley. The first one is at the start of the valley in Ihlara Village. The second one opens to the 4th kilometer of the valley and it is the most popular entrance, and has more than 300 steps down to the valley.
river beatifull also many historical caves in there
And now for something completely different to the fairy chimney landscape.
Put on your hiking boots or sturdy shoes and tackle this walk through the valley.
It's truly different – small cave churches on the on hand, lush scenery along the river.
The best food I'd had in days was at the restaurant at the edge of the river.
Ihlara valley is the largest , deepest and longest canyon in cappadocia we were hiking the valley by the river then we end in nice restaurant inplant inside the river very romantic and pleasant tour .