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Valleys of Faith: Ihlara and Beyond

Selime Cathedral

Selime Cathedral's image
Selime Cathedral is located at the end point of Ihlara Valley, in Selime town. When you exit the valley, fairy chimneys and Selime Cathedral welcome the visitors.Selime Cathedral (Selime Katedrali) was built as two-story and is the largest cathedral in Cappadocia. The cathedral is dated back to the eighth and ninth centuries. There are important frescoes in the cathedral depicting the ascension of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.One of the most important features of Selime Kale Monastery (Selime Kale Manastırı) is that it is the place where the clergy in the region are trained. In addition, the first loud ritual was held in Selime Cathedral. The buildings made by carving the rocks and most as churches bear the traces of Eastern Roman art. It is also remarkable that the upper part of the cathedral was built as a castle.

Ihlara Valley

Ihlara Valley's image
Ihlara Valley in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray province is a significant archaeological site, being one of the world's notable canyons at 14 kilometers in length and reaching depths of up to 120 meters. Melendiz Stream, passing through the Ihlara Valley, whose name is "Peristremma" in historical sources, creates magnificent and striking beauties throughout the valley by splitting the land in a deep and steep way along the Ihlara Valley. During the early Christian period, it functioned as a religious center with churches and monasteries carved into the rock walls. The valley features stunning natural rock formations and churches adorned with beautiful frescoes depicting biblical stories and religious scenes. Specific churches within the valley, such as Ağaçaltı Church and Kırkdamaltı Church, showcase unique architectural features and frescoes dating back to the 9th-11th centuries, depicting various religious scenes and historical figures.

Monastery Valley

Monastery Valley 's image
Manastır Valley (Manastır Vadisi) looks like a "Small Ihlara Valley" with a stream between high rocks on both sides, willow trees and 28 churches, chapels and underground cities, small and large rock carved churches. The sheltered structure of the region became the shelter of clergymen who opposed the depiction ban applied in the period. Since the end of the 11th century, the region came under the control of the Turks and thereafter Christians living here continued to worship freely. The valley, which housed many people in its monasteries and churches, hides the traces of the first monastic life. Nenezili scribe Saint Gregorius Theologos took this region as a center in the fourth century and helped spread Christianity throughout Anatolia.

Hasan Mountain

Hasan Mountain's image
Hasan Mountain (Hasan Dağı) is the second highest mountain in the Central Anatolia Region. Hasan Mountain, which is the continuation of the Taurus Mountains (Toros Dağları), is located between Aksaray and Niğde provinces. The mountain, which has an altitude of 3,268 meters, is essentially a volcanic mountain. It is known that Hasan Mountain, where there are two craters named Big Hasan (Büyük Hasan) and Small Hasan (Küçük Hasan), has been extinct since 7000 BCE.Hasan Mountain attracts the attention of mountain lovers with its safe trails. While the Nora Ancient City, located at the foot of the mountain, is home to an important cultural treasure, the fish restaurants located next to the Helvadere Pond (Helvadere Gölü) offer different tastes to nature lovers. Those who use the chalet trail to climb Hasan Mountain, of which summit is reached in an average of six hours, first encounter with the Sütlü Church (Sütlü Kilise). On the way to summit, an endless land under your feet, the Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü) and Erciyes and Ekecik mountains will appear. Skiing is possible on Mount Hasan, especially between December and April. In addition, amateur and professional athletes coming to Hasan Mountain, which has suitable conditions for paragliding, jump from the slope and glide in the sky.

Helvadere Village

Helvadere Village's image
Immerse yourself in the delicate charm and bucolic beauty of Helvadere Village, nestled in the heart of Aksaray, Türkiye. This tranquil refuge offers travelers a delightful escape into a serene pastoral world. With the harmonious blend of traditional architecture and verdant landscapes, Helvadere Village has crafted a picturesque setting that effortlessly embodies the essence of Türkiye’s rural life. As you amble along the cobbled paths, you will be greeted by weathered stone houses, their individual stories inscribed within their timeworn walls. Mosey around and appreciate the carefully preserved heritage, punctuated by homespun handicrafts and the warm, welcoming spirit of the locals. Journey further into the locals' bountiful orchards or wheat fields gently swaying under the highland breeze. Just beyond the village, the majestic slopes of Mount Hasan beckon, providing a dramatic backdrop, almost as though stepping into a timeless painting. Here, opportunities for hiking, camping and trekking abound, offering breathtaking panoramas of the rural landscape, sprinkling your experience with unforgettable moments. Venturing to the border of the village, you'll find pristine lakes shimmering under the sun, their blue depths mirroring the spectacular surrounding landscape. Either indulge in the sheer tranquility they offer or enjoy a leisurely picnic by the shore. Helvadere Village is an intimate immersion into Aksaray's provincial charm. Its strong ties to Türkiye’s cultural and ecological richness make it an indispensable asset for all seeking an experience steeped in simplicity, nature, and heritage. Plan your visit and create an unforgettable journey through Türkiye’s rural heartlands in Helvadere Village.

Nora Ancient City

Nora Ancient City (Nora Antik Kenti) is within the boundaries of Helvadere Town in the central district. At the foot of Hasan Mountain (Hasan Dağı) and on the king's road, there are ancient city ruins from the Roman and Eastern Roman periods. During the period, one thousand civilian dwellings were built. Therefore, Nora Ancient City was one of the most densely populated cities of the 5th and 6th centuries. This city is one of the largest and best preserved ruins in the Cappadocia region. Apart from the dwellings in the ancient city, which was established on an area of 200 hectares, 32 church structures and 20 cisterns were found together with the ruins.