Zelve Rock Monastery

The rock settlement of Zelve spreads across three connected valleys in Cappadocia. It preserves churches, monastic cells, dovecotes and tunnels linking the rock formations. From the 11th to 13th centuries Zelve was an important Christian centre, though people continued to live among its houses, mill and small mosque until 1952. Rockfalls forced the community to move to New Zelve two kilometres away, and the old site became an open-air museum in 1967. Some dwellings stand high in the cliffs and were reached by rope ladders, cut steps or narrow vertical shafts. Access to several caves is now restricted for safety.

A popular story says George Lucas hoped to film part of his space saga at Zelve, but Turkish authorities refused permission. The tale has since become part of the site’s cinematic folklore.