Ihlara Valley, Archaeological canyon in Aksaray Province, Turkey.
Ihlara Valley is a canyon in Aksaray Province carved by a river with depths exceeding 100 meters. Along the steep rock walls sit dozens of churches and cave dwellings carved directly into the stone and decorated with painted murals.
Monks began settling in this valley during the 7th century, carving churches and living spaces into the rock. The settlement flourished for several centuries as a monastic community before eventually being abandoned.
The canyon served as a refuge for Christian communities who left visual records of their faith through frescoes in the rock churches. These paintings blend artistic traditions from different regions, visible in scenes depicting religious narratives and daily monastic life.
Access to the canyon comes from above via staircases descending into the gorge, with multiple entry points available along the route. Exploring the valley requires steady walking and comfortable footwear due to uneven stone paths and numerous climbing sections.
Researchers found mummified remains of cats from medieval centuries within the church structures, suggesting unexpected connections to distant cultures. This discovery reveals trade routes and religious customs that linked this remote location to wider networks.
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