IHLARA VALLEY
This picturesque valley, amazing natural beauty is placed on between Nevsehir and Aksaray road. One of the unique canyons, Ihlara Valley hypnotizes the visitors both its breath-taking, brilliant scenery of nature and its fascinating churches, monasteries carved into the soft rocks which creates awesome atmosphere.
The miraculous natural wonder is famous for a dreamy ‘’Melendiz River’’ called also as ‘’Potamus Kapadukus” (meaning Cappadocia River). In addition, this splendid valley which is 14km in length and approximately 150 m high has an important history.
HISTORY
Ihlara Valley was formed as a result of the earthquake and volcano eruptions in thousands of years ago. And those times it was used as a settlement and sanctuary to be protected against any attacks in wartime. Especially in 4th century, Byzantine (Rome) Era, Christians used this area as a main religion centre hence; they built numerous churches, chapels and monasteries such as Sümbüllü Church, Yılanlı Church, Kokar Church, Agacaltı Church, Pürenliseki, Egritas, Kırkdamaltı, Bahattin and Samanligi Churches here. Therefore, it is thought that the valley hosted more than four thousand dwellings and a hundred cave churches furnished with frescoes.
Except for those features, once upon a time this refreshing natural masterpiece was used as a hermitage and relaxation place by priest and monks. Even today, when the people visit here, they feel themselves a paradise and make an inner journey due to its mystic atmosphere.
At present, the people come to the valley to walk, read a book and rest their heads.
The miraculous natural wonder is famous for a dreamy ‘’Melendiz River’’ called also as ‘’Potamus Kapadukus” (meaning Cappadocia River). In addition, this splendid valley which is 14km in length and approximately 150 m high has an important history.
HISTORY
Ihlara Valley was formed as a result of the earthquake and volcano eruptions in thousands of years ago. And those times it was used as a settlement and sanctuary to be protected against any attacks in wartime. Especially in 4th century, Byzantine (Rome) Era, Christians used this area as a main religion centre hence; they built numerous churches, chapels and monasteries such as Sümbüllü Church, Yılanlı Church, Kokar Church, Agacaltı Church, Pürenliseki, Egritas, Kırkdamaltı, Bahattin and Samanligi Churches here. Therefore, it is thought that the valley hosted more than four thousand dwellings and a hundred cave churches furnished with frescoes.
Except for those features, once upon a time this refreshing natural masterpiece was used as a hermitage and relaxation place by priest and monks. Even today, when the people visit here, they feel themselves a paradise and make an inner journey due to its mystic atmosphere.
At present, the people come to the valley to walk, read a book and rest their heads.
KOKAR KILISE (THE SMELLY CHURCH)
The Kokar Kilise (The Smelly Church) is situated in the main quarter of the valley between Ihlara Village and first entrance. It dates back IX. century. Because the original entrance has been blocked by a landslide, it can be come in the church with single nave and tunnel vault ornamented with a big cross motif by using the destroyed gathering (apse).
Also densely painted grey colour, this glorious church includes funeral hall and various frescoes reflecting Gospel, Visitation, Escaping to Egypt, Last Supper, Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ emphasized on Genesis (Holy book of Christians).
AGACALTI KILISE (CHURCH UNDER THE TREE)
It is located on the south of entry. This cross planned church, with tunnel vault and three abscissas was decorated with the vegetative and geometrical figures. Moreover it contains icons of the Flight into Egypt, the Baptism and the Dormition of the Virgin.
The Kokar Kilise (The Smelly Church) is situated in the main quarter of the valley between Ihlara Village and first entrance. It dates back IX. century. Because the original entrance has been blocked by a landslide, it can be come in the church with single nave and tunnel vault ornamented with a big cross motif by using the destroyed gathering (apse).
Also densely painted grey colour, this glorious church includes funeral hall and various frescoes reflecting Gospel, Visitation, Escaping to Egypt, Last Supper, Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ emphasized on Genesis (Holy book of Christians).
AGACALTI KILISE (CHURCH UNDER THE TREE)
It is located on the south of entry. This cross planned church, with tunnel vault and three abscissas was decorated with the vegetative and geometrical figures. Moreover it contains icons of the Flight into Egypt, the Baptism and the Dormition of the Virgin.
Content Author : Ebrar OKÇU
Page Editor : Mustafa Gökhan BULUT
Published : 10 October 2014
Page Editor : Mustafa Gökhan BULUT
Published : 10 October 2014
