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.
The valley just seems to come out of nowhere completely hidden from the level until you are right on top of it. Picturesque walk alongside the river with no difficulties but not much in the way of views. Pleasant stop at a cafe with seating areas in the water – very pretty..
This is a 2-3 hour easy walk through Ihlara Canyon. It was a nice break from the Underground Cities and Cave Monasteries that we had been visiting.
I loved the many different wild flowers, and the trees beside the river provided a nice shade from the afternoon heat. Remember to bring water though.
Though its a hefty drive to get to the Ilhara Valley from Goreme, we definitely enjoyed seeing this beautiful wonder of nature. Most of the area around Nevsehir and Goreme is pretty dry with lots of rocky surfaces and hills.
One of the nicest things we did in this area. Highly recommend renting a car and doing it on your own as the tours can get long. A car offers you much more freedom. The hike is wonderful and the churches very interesting. Don't forget to stop at the monastery on the way out of town.
The Grand Canyon of Turkey. It's not that deep, but it is fantastic. The walk from one end to the other (14 kilometers) goes by quicker than you think. Bring water, good shoes, and an extra SDM Card for the camera. Several churches built into the stone walls and the dove cotes add flair.
We were part of a tour group so we couldn't really take our time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Go on your own if you have the time and your own transportation. This isn't a place to hurry through, especially in spring time when everything is green and flowers are blossoming around you. Just walk at leisure and enjoy nature…
Our tour guide stopped constantly to explain the landscape and there was a café on the river in the mid way. The path that we walked was a the bottom of the valley so do not expect any panorama nice view.
Ihlara Valley is an awesome sight to behold as the top down view is simply amazing and it got better as you descend into the valley, using the flights of steps. Going down was fast but the reverse is a little tiring.
The trail is well marked once you get onto it. It is relatively flat, follows a creek bed, so is the perfect place to be in the heat of the day.
Great choice of dining at the end of the walk; lots of monasteries and churches to view on the gully sides. Food is more expensive than normal in Turkey,…
I would recommend stopping in Selime and exploring the hillside. Be careful not to purchase a ticket to the Cathedral on arrival – there is no fee to explore the site, only to do the trek to the Cathedral which we were told would take a couple of hours.