Following the arrival of Islam in Anatolia, Cappadocia
became home for several famous Muslim scholars. In the 13th century,
the Turkish Islamic Sufi Haci Bektas Veli settled in present day Hacibektas
County, where today a museum surrounding the tomb of the scholar is open to
visitors. Haci Bektas Veli , credited with creating Turkish unity in Anatolia,
based his philosophy on love of humanity , tolerance , solidarity and social
equality , adumbrating the principles of the 1948 Universal Declaration of
Human Rights . Every year international ceremonies to commemorate Haci Bektas
Veli are held on the 16-18 August, and visited by large number of his
adherents.
The “ Ahi” religious order was founded by philosopher Ahi
Evran, who believed in the harmonious unity of morality and the arts. The order
has developed in Kirsehir and sown the seeds of love in the hearts and minds of
the Anatolian people.
IHLARA VALLEY was created as the basalt and andesite
intensive lava rom Hasandagi cooled down and gave way to cracks and
subsidence.Streams found their way in these cracks and the Melendiz Stream,
called “ Potamus Kapadokus’ in antiquity, has eroded the bottom of the valley ,
bringing it to its present form.
The Ihlara Valley is 14 kilometres long and
starts from Ihlara and ends in Selime. The valley sides are between 100 and 150
metres high . There are numerous abodes, tombs and churches hewn into the rock
face along the valley. The Egritas ( Inclined Stone) Church , Agacalt ( Under
Tree) Church, Kokar ( Smelly Church),
Yilanli ( Snake Church ), Purenliseki ( Caluna Terrace ) Church , Kirkdamalti
Church, Ala (Red) Church , Direkli ( Pillar ) church , Fortress Monastery and Selime Cathedral are among the
must see buildings.
Let’s try to solve the mystery of the white clouds
surroundings us. They are dove , whose distinct and gorgeous flight style,
sustained by quick wing movements, delight visitors. These beautiful doves nest
along the valleys around Uchisar; in Kiliclar and Gulludere valeys of Goreme ;
Uzengi , Orta Hisar, Balkan Bereso and Kizilcukur valleys around Urgup, Cat
Valley near Nevsehir and Soganli Valley in the province of Kayseri.
In the Islamic belief, the dove represents devotion to
family and peace and in Christianity it represents the spirit of God. Dovecots
have been carved at high spots all along the valley sides and in the fairy
chimneys on the south or east looking aspects.
If your camera s ready for the fascinating panoramic views,
Cappadocia awaits you to capture them.
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