Ihlara Valley

Have you ever seen a clear river flowing between towering cliffs? The Ihlara Valley is exactly such a place! Located in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray, this valley is a massive canyon 18 kilometers long, on average 150 meters deep and 200 meters wide. But what sets it apart from others is this: people once lived inside this valley!

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Thousands of years ago, lava erupted from Hasan Dağı and covered the region. Over time, this lava hardened into volcanic rock. The Melendiz River patiently eroded these rocks, carving out the deep and narrow valley we see today. The river’s winding course doubled the valley’s length.

From the outside, the valley’s interior is barely visible. While the surrounding area is covered with steppe vegetation, the valley floor teems with lush gardens, vineyards and fruit trees. A mild climate reminiscent of the Mediterranean prevails here, allowing the cultivation of pistachios, walnuts and various vegetables.

The Ihlara Valley has served as a refuge since the earliest days of Christianity. Soft tuff rock was carved out to create homes, churches and monasteries. Structures such as Eğritaş, Ağaçaltı, Kokar and Yılanlı Kilise can still be seen today. There are a total of 105 churches in the valley, but only 12 are open to visitors.

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Here, 364 different plant species are found, 43 of which are endemic to this region alone. Plants such as willow, poplar and magnolia give the valley its vibrant colors. The Melendiz River is home to species like carp, bleak and chub. Wild rabbits, foxes, hedgehogs and bats are also among the valley’s inhabitants.

In 1990, the area was designated a “Special Environmental Protection Area” to preserve its natural and historical heritage. As a result, both the natural ecosystem and historical structures are safeguarded for future generations.

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