History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Kırkdamaltı Church (St. Georgios) is an extremely important rock temple located in Belisırma Village at the northern end of Ihlara Valley and dated between 1283-1295. The biggest historical privilege of the church is the donor fresco and inscription on the apse wall. In the inscription, the Seljuk Sultan of the period II. Mesud and Byzantine Emperor II. The names of Andronikos are mentioned side by side, and the atmosphere of freedom of worship and tolerance of the Christian subjects living under Seljuk rule is concretely documented. Scenes of St. George spearing the dragon and his martyrdom are depicted in vivid colors on the ceiling of the church. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It was carved into a high rock overlooking the Melendiz Stream, on the steep northern slope of the valley floor in Belisırma locality. Its altitude is approximately 1,130 meters. Walnut groves, vineyards and steep tuff chimneys lie around it. This part of the canyon is wider and is a serene piece of nature where water and greenery meet. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Ihlara Valley ruins entrance ticket or T.R. It can be visited with the Museum Card of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 7 days a week between 08:30 - 19:00 (Summer) / 08:30 - 17:00 (Winter).•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: Care should be taken as the rock-carved steps are steep; Not suitable for strollers or disabled chairs.•Facilities and Facilities:At the entrance of Belisırma village, there is a car park, waterside countryside restaurants, WC and local product stalls. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Belisırma Village, Ihlara Vadisi North Exit, Güzelyurt / Aksaray.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: You can go to Belisırma Village directly via an asphalt vehicle; It is possible to reach the canyon floor by passenger vehicles.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): Belisırma village square can be reached by Güzelyurt/Ihlara/Belisırma district minibuses departing from Aksaray Terminal; From here you can walk 300 meters to the church.•Parking Availability:There are car parking areas at the entrance of Belisırma village and in the businesses around the valley. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photography Spots and Frames:Seljuk Sultan II. The historical inscription area where Mesud's name is mentioned and the magnificent fresco depicting St. George on a horse should be framed.•Light and Shooting Hours:The color tones of the frescoes are photographed most clearly in the early morning hours with the natural canyon light.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:After getting off from Kırkdamaltı Church, you should definitely try Aksaray roasted lamb, village trout with butter and yoghurt in casserole while sitting in the floating mansions on the Melendiz Stream.