Ihlara Vadisi

Ihlara Valley
It is 40 km away from Aksaray. You need to take the turn on the 11 km on the Aksaray-Nevşehir Road. The valley is formed by collapses and cracks of cooled off bazalt and andezit lavas that comes from Hasan Mountain. Melendiz Stream, which shaped the canyon that makes its way through these cracks, was called “Potamus Kapadukus” which means Cappadocian River. This 14km long valley starts at Ihlara and ends up at Selime. Its altitude is 100-150m at some parts. There are many shelters, graves and churches carved into the rocks. Some shelters and churches are connected by tunnels as it is seen in some underground cities.

Ürgüp

Urgüp is located 20km east of Nevsehir and it is an important centre here. It has called many different names throughout history. It was Osiana (Assiana) and Hagios Prokopios in Byzantine Empire, Bashisar in Seljuqs, Burgut Castele in Ottoman Empire and Urgup since the first days of the Republic of Turkey.



Nevşehir - Göreme Tarihi Milli Parkı

It holds place in Nevşehir and Central Anatolia Region. Ankara-Adana Road from west and south; and Kayseri-Urgup Road from east and northeast takes you there. There is a national park on the Hasan Mountain and Erciyes Mountain volcanic area. Area is formed of plateaus, prairies, small mountain plants, high hills, streams and rivers filled up with silt. The big volcanic cones of the Mountain Erciyes and Hasan, a part of the Kızılırmak Valley from north, and tufa sources which is covered by basalt

Besides the interesting view of volcanic tufa, it features an important period of history from Bzyantine church architectures and religious art. People who lived here were able to stay away from the central authority and effects of wars according to the area’s characteristics. It was a perfect hermitage and a place to hide because it was far away from the main roads. Monastery life style started in 3-4 century A.C and spreaded very fast. Monasteries, churches, chapels, dining halls, monk cells, storage rooms and vinehouses were carved and wall paintings were made.

Urgüp, Avcılar, Uchisar, Cavusini, Yeni Zelve settlements reflect agricultural and folkloric life style of Göreme and completes the natural and historical integrity.
As written above,Göreme’s unique geomorphological formation, visual value of its view and its history,ethnological structure are some of the main features of the National Park. Chimney Rocks made of volcanic tufa has an interesting view and they also represent the Bzyantine church architecture and religious art history.

The best time to visit the National Park is between March 15- November 15. There are several tracking routes to see the culture and nature from a different point of view. Visitors can stay at the pensions and hotels around the National Park.

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