Ihlara

Ihlara Valley, which is among the largest canyons in the world, is an important place for Christians. Ihlara Valley, which has played an important religious center role since the foundation of Christianity, is home to numerous churches and historical living areas with its 14-kilometer area. Ihlara Valley, formed by the volcanic layer formed by the eruption of Hasan Mountain centuries ago, natural events and the erosion of the Melendiz Stream, is a fascinating canyon whose height can reach 120 meters. It starts from Ihlara Town and extends over Belisırma and Yaprakhisar to Selime. Because of the Melendiz Stream flowing through the canyon, the ancient inhabitants of the region were called “Peristremma”, which means “the people of the water that flows back and forth”. From the 4th century onwards, pioneer Christian clergy grew up in the region. The first ones that come to mind are Basilius of Kayseri, who set different monastic rules than in Egypt and Syria, and the saint Gregorius of Nazianzos, who founded a sect by bringing a new explanation to the trinity of father-son-holy spirit (trinity). In the region that includes Belisırma, Ihlara and Gelveri (Guzelyurt) within the borders of Cappadocia, those who follow a lush valley floor by descending the 382-step stairs encounter many churches and living spaces. 14 of the 105 churches in the region are open to visit. The frescoed churches, which were formed thanks to the geological feature of the region, were carved into the rocks in accordance with the monastic spirit. 14 of the 105 churches; namely Ağaçaltı, Sümbüllü, Yılanlı, Kokar, Prenliseki, Eğritaş, Direkli, Saint Georgeus, Karagedik, Ala, Bezirhane, Bahattin Samanlığı and Batkın Churches. While the Eastern influence is observed in the ones close to Ihlara, Byzantine type wall paintings can be found in the churches around Belisırma.