Ihlara Valley

What people say

"The Ihlara Valley, also known as Peristrema Valley, is a 15 km long canyon in Cappadocia, Turkey, with depths reaching up to 150 meters. Formed by the Melendiz River in prehistoric times, the valley stretches between the villages of Ihlara and Selime in Aksaray Province. The valley is renowned for its approximately 50 rock-hewn Christian churches and numerous rock-cut dwellings. Early Byzantine monks began settling in the valley around the 7th century AD, carving their homes and churches into the soft tuff stone formed by ancient volcanic eruptions from Mount Hasan. A prominent stairway with nearly 400 steps leads down into the canyon from Ihlara. The Christian churches in the Ihlara Valley are divided into two groups. The first, near the village of Ihlara, features churches with paintings in the local Cappadocian style, influenced by Persian and Syrian art, which often predate the Iconoclasm but were repainted in later periods. The second group, near Belisarma, showcases churches from the Byzantine period, specifically the 10th and 11th centuries, reflecting the Macedonian style of Byzantine art. These churches and their unique styles make the Ihlara Valley a historically significant and visually striking site in the region."
"Beautiful valley to hike through. There are a few churches along the way to explore."

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