From Ihlara Valley to Seljuk caravanserais, starting at Neva Apart
Belisırma Village and Riverside Restaurants
Halfway along Ihlara Valley, with riverside restaurants on the Melendiz, rock-cut churches and a name it has carried since 1476 — the hikers’ rest stop.
Belisırma is a small village on the Melendiz River, halfway along Ihlara Valley between Ihlara and Selime. The valley’s historical name, Peristrema, comes from the village’s old Greek name.
It is the natural break on the valley hike: eating and resting at the riverside restaurants, with seating platforms built over the water, is part of the Ihlara experience.
History
Records show the village has carried the same name since 1476. Belisırma is remembered as one of the centres of the monastic ideal of Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nazianzus, which did not cut monks off from the world. The valley’s “Byzantine-style” frescoed churches cluster around the village.
What to see
Many Byzantine rock-cut churches surround the village, some seen on the valley walk and others from the slopes above.
- Direkli Church – its inscription names Emperor Basil II (976–1025)
- Kırkdamaltı (St George’s) Church – about 500 m from the village, inscription dated 1283–1295
- Ala Church and Karagedik Church
- Bezirhane – a historic rock-cut workshop where linseed oil was pressed
What to eat
The riverside restaurants usually serve trout, sac kavurma (pan-fried meat), stews and gözleme (filled flatbread). It is also ideal for a tea or ayran break after the hike. Discover more in our guide to Aksaray cuisine.
Getting there from Neva Apart
Neva Apart is in Aksaray city centre, a few minutes’ walk from the Zinciriye Madrasa and the Grand Mosque; the distances below are measured from our aparthotel.
Belisırma is about 40 km from Neva Apart, a 40–45-minute drive. You can drive down to the village just for lunch or start the valley hike from here.
Ask the Neva Apart reception for help with routes, parking, taxis or a day-trip plan — we are happy to suggest the most efficient order for exploring the area.
Tips for your visit
Restaurants are busy at weekend lunchtimes; come early or on a weekday for a calmer visit. Walking from the Ihlara entrance to Belisırma and taking a taxi back is the most popular half-day plan.
Other places nearby
- Ihlara Valley – A 14 km canyon carved by the Melendiz River into the tuff of Mount Hasan, with frescoed rock-cut churches, a green valley floor and Aksaray’s best-known hiking trail.
- Selime Cathedral and Rock Monastery – At the northern end of Ihlara Valley, a rock-cut monastery with a three-aisled cathedral, kitchens and stables — one of the largest religious buildings in Cappadocia.
- Yaprakhisar Fairy Chimneys – At the northern end of Ihlara Valley between Selime and Belisırma, tuff cones with rock-cut rooms and a quiet Cappadocian village on the Melendiz.
- Güzelyurt (Gelveri) – A hill town tied to Gregory of Nazianzus, with stone mansions, rock-cut churches, underground cities and the Monastery Valley — one of the most authentic towns in Cappadocia.
Sources
Image credits
- Restaurants on the bank of the Melendiz stream in Belisırma – Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Stone houses of Belisırma village in Ihlara Valley – Sonse, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Frequently asked questions
Other places nearby
Umbrella Street & City-Centre Cafés
Aksaray’s pedestrian bazaar street shaded by colourful umbrellas, the Clock Tower area and its cafés — a few minutes’ walk from Neva Apart.
- On foot: 4–5 min
- By car: 2 min
Ihlara Valley
A 14 km canyon carved by the Melendiz River into the tuff of Mount Hasan, with frescoed rock-cut churches, a green valley floor and Aksaray’s best-known hiking trail.
- By car: 40–45 min
Aksaray Museum
Home to a 10,500-year-old skull bearing the earliest known brain surgery, the Ihlara and Çanlı Kilise mummies and the Luwian Aksaray Stele — 10,000 years of local history.
- On foot: 35–40 min
- By car: 7–10 min