Peristrema Valley

Below Hasan Dag, between the villages of Selimiye and Ihlara about 40km/25mi southeast of Aksaray, the exceptionally lovely gorge of the Melendiz Suyu, bordered by willows, poplars and cypresses, cuts deep into the Cappadocian tuff. The steep cliffs on either side are a warren of Byzantine rock-cut monasteries and churches, 50 or so in all, access being on foot via hill paths from Ihlara or Belisirma.

Two styles of decoration can be distinguished. The Byzantine Empire style predominates in the churches around Belisirma; in those nearer Ihlara the distinctive local Cappadocian-style frescos display Persian and Syrian influence.