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.