Zelve Turkey

Zelve Turkey

Turning right on Göreme-Avanos Road, you reach Zelve in 3 km. passing by the natural masterpieces which are formed by erosion. There are fairy chimneys, height of each reaching 15-20 meters.

Zelve is an ancient city carved on the rocky ridges within the big valley and has stairs in it. it has been a center for a considerably long period. it was an important histarical center of Christianity.

Zelve valley is surrounded by vineyards, apricot trees and big wide mountains on the north. The valley is V shaped. On the rocky ridges, there are plenty of houses, big and small, just like nests; temples to which you climb or go down by the stairs.

There are churches, destroyed by erosion, and built in Byzantine period. The ruins of a flour mill on the left wing of the valley is another speciality. The temple and the small minaret which were used as mosque during the conquerence of Mouslim Emperors give a different atmosphere to the valley. Temples, rock houses, narrow stairs , windows opposite each other (just like the windows of the modern buildings) which remained on the middle part between the two rivers dividing the rocky ridges on the left and on the right despite the effects of erosion, make one imagine the way of living of a large community.

Zelve was a settlement for Turkish families until recent times. When erosion threatened danger in 1950, this histarical city was abandaned. This big museum which was placed on Valleys, provides different views according to the point of view. Zelve has a special touristic and historical importance with its churches left from Byzantine period and it is possible to take good photographs.