The canyon was formed in prehistoric times by the Melendiz River. It lies between the villages of Ihlara in the southeast and Selime in the northwest. At the north end of the village of Ihlara, there is a stairway with almost 400 steps, which descends over 100 m down into the canyon. From the 7th century AD, the valley was settled by Byzantine monks who dug their houses and churches out of the tuff stone, which had been deposited by the eruptions of Mount Hasan. The earlier Greek name, Peristrema of the village of Belisarma which is located about halfway along the valley from Ihlara to Selime, gave its name to the valley as well.
Purenli Seki Church (Church with the Terrace), in Ihlara Valley, Cappadocia, is located in the first quarter of the valley. In order to reach the Church, one has to climb 25m over the river bed. It is composed of an entrance, a burial chamber and a double naos, separated by pillared arcades, each with an apse. The Church building’s interior is covered with frescoes, classified as ‘archaic’ with exquisite detail, a strong sense of design and amazing freedom of expression. The frescoes date between the beginning of 10th century and the 12th century AD.
