In ancient sources, Ihlara Valley was referred to as “Peristremma.” Most of the places to visit in Ihlara Valley are churches, as the region is home to hundreds of them, a few of which are open to visitors. The valley holds a significant place among the world’s canyons, distinguished as the largest valley inhabited by humans in ancient times. The Melendiz River also flows through this breathtaking area, which is renowned for its lush greenery, vineyards, and gardens.
Places to Visit in Ihlara Valley: Ihlara Valley Churches
Ihlara valley is very rich about the christian history, there are a lot of churches in the 14km valley with beautiful well preserved frescos in inside. Let’s take a look at the Ihlara Valley Churches:
Places to Visit in Ihlara Valley: Ağaçaltı Church
Ağaçaltı Church is one of the most visited places in Ihlara Valley, as it is the closest church to the valley’s entrance. Visitors must enter through the second floor, as the main entrance is buried underground.
The church’s name, which translates to “Under the Tree,” stems from a legend suggesting that people used to enter the church through tree branches. Another source attributes the name to the fresco of Prophet Daniel among lions, calling it St. Daniel Church. An inscription inside refers to it as Pantanassa Church.
One striking feature is the lion frescoes on the walls, which are unique to Persian culture rather than Christian traditions. The frescoes date back to the 9th–11th centuries, and one inscription emphasizes the Virgin Mary as the “Queen of Heaven.”
Sümbüllü Church
Named after the hyacinths (sümbül) that grow in the area, this church is accessed through a narrow window. Built into a large rock as a two-story structure, it is believed to date back to the 11th–12th centuries. As with many churches in the valley, Sümbüllü Church boasts numerous frescoes.
Kokar Church
Dating to the 9th century, Kokar Church is one of the oldest churches in Ihlara Valley. However, its frescoes were painted later, around the second half of the 11th century. Inside are two tomb chambers adorned with red-painted decorations.
Pürenliseki Church
This church takes its name from the “püren” plants that grow in the valley. It features dark-toned frescoes and a primitive style. It is estimated to have been constructed between the 10th and 12th centuries.
Eğritaş Church
One of the oldest churches in Ihlara Valley, Eğritaş Church dates back to the late 9th and early 10th centuries. Unlike other churches in the region, it features the largest temple and burial site. The church is two stories tall, with the lower level housing a space for funeral ceremonies.
Saint Georgeus (Kırkdamaltı) Church
Built between 1283 and 1295, Saint Georgeus Church features numerous scenes from the Bible, as well as a depiction of Seljuk Sultan Mesut II. The sultan’s inclusion highlights his support for the church’s construction. Beneath the church lie six tomb chambers.
Karagedik Church
Known by the Greeks as Saint Ermolaos Church, Karagedik Church was constructed in the 11th century. Situated on a hill covered with grass, much of the church has unfortunately collapsed, with only its roof and north walls remaining.
Ala Church
Dating back to the 11th century, Ala Church was built with a single dome. Most of the frescoes inside have been damaged, and the few that remain have darkened over time.
Adjacent to Ala Church is Bezirhane Church, which was used to produce linseed oil. Unfortunately, the smoke from cooking herbs like zeyrek and ızgın blackened the frescoes, which have not survived.
Bahattin Samanlığı Church
The frescoes in this church date back to the late 10th and early 11th centuries and have survived in good condition. The church derives its name from a local villager, Bahattin, who once used it as a hayloft.
Batkın (Açıkel Ağa) Church
Believed to have been built in the 8th century, only remnants of this church remain today.
