Zelve is spread out over three valleys, of which two are connected by a tunnel. The complex contains innumerable rooms and passages which also house many pointed fairy chimneys with large stems, at about 40 feet above the valley floor.
The valley was a monastic retreat between the 9th and 13th centuries. Christians moved to Zelve during the Persian and Arab invasions. The site was inhabited until 1952 when villagers were relocated to nearby Aktepe due to safety concerns.
The valley was a monastic retreat between the 9th and 13th centuries. Christians moved to Zelve during the Persian and Arab invasions. The site was inhabited until 1952 when villagers were relocated to nearby Aktepe due to safety concerns.
Source: Zelve Monastery - Wikipedia