Aksaray - The Melendiz River flows through the Ihlara Valley, formerly known as Peristremma. The natural formation and sheltered structure of the Ihlara Valley has made it one of the important centers of Christianity. In the frescoed churches in the valley (such as Sümbüllü, Yılanlı, Kokar, Ağaçaltı, Pürenliseki, Eğritaş, Kırkdamaltı, Bahattin Samlık), there are very rich religious scenes reflecting the art of the Byzantine period.