Ihlara Valley Canyon & River Churches
Formed millions of years ago by tectonic shifts and volcanic eruptions from Mount Hasan, the Ihlara Valley (Ihlara Vadisi) is a green canyon wonderland slicing for 14 kilometers through the arid Anatolian steppe. The Melendiz River meanders along the canyon floor 100 meters beneath vertical sheer limestone walls, creating a lush microclimate lined with leafy poplars, willows, and vineyards. Between the 4th and 14th centuries, Christian hermits hollowed over one hundred cave churches and thousands of monastic dwellings into the steep canyon cliffs. Prominent chapels such as the Ağaçaltı (Under-the-Tree) Church, Sümbüllü (Hyacinth) Church, and Yılanlı (Snake) Church showcase primitive, colorful frescoes influenced by Syrian and Persian artistic styles. Halfway through the trek, the village of Belisırma welcomes hikers with riverside wooden divans set directly over rushing mountain water serving fresh river trout and hot earthenware stews.
“A dramatic 14-kilometer volcanic river canyon plunging 100 meters, sheltering ancient rock-hewn Byzantine churches and floating river restaurants.”
— Tourism Compass Heritage Committee