In a previous post I wrote that Cappadocia is full of surprises. One of them was hiking the Ihlara Vadisi, Ihlara valley, also known as Turkey's Grand Canyon.

Located in the southern part of Cappadocia, Ihlara valley is a 16 km long gorge cut into volcanic rock, following several eruptions of Mount Erciyes, the highest elevation in Central Anatolia. If you think about it it's not that long, but what's really impressive is its history.

The entire valley is honeycombed with ancient churches and underground dwellings from the Byzantine period, which still show the primitive paintings of its inhabitants. It is here where the first communities of Christians settled when they escaped from Roman soldiers, due to the plentiful supply of water from the Melendiz stream.

Ihlara Valley is a wonder of nature. My brother and me loved the hike along the Melendiz and enjoyed refreshing by its waters with fresh squeezed orange juice sold by the vendors you find on the way. The hike ended with a Kebab at a restaurant located by the Melendiz.

With such a lovely view and a cup of tea (which is offered to anyone everywhere in Turkey), I could have stayed there for a while without wanting to go anywhere else. For adventurers and history lovers this is just the right place to visit. Another one of Cappadocia's many wonderful and unique spots.

Ihlara Valley.

Ihlara Valley.

Cave church.

Depiction of Jesus inside a cave.

Ihlara Valley.

The Melendiz stream flows through the valley.

There are hundreds of churches and cave houses in the valley.

Indeed.