A notice on the site indicates: Zelve is situated on the northern slopes of Aktepe, 1 km. from Paşabağları (Monks’ Valley) and 5 km. from Avanos. The ruins of Zelve are spread over three valleys, which also contain several pointed fairy chimneys with large stems. Like the ruins in Uçhisar, Göreme and Cavuşın, it is not known when the rock dwellings in Zelve were first inhabited, but it was an important settlement and religious center during the 9th through 13th centuries. The first seminaries for priests were established here. In the first valley of Zelve is located the seten (mortar used in the production of bulgur) used in the production of cracked wheat (bulghur). The Balıklı and Üzümlü Churches date from the pre-iconoclastic era. In its eastern area is located a winery. In the second valley are located rock-cut caves and the Holy Cross Church next to each other. A tunnel of about 30 m. between the second and third valley connects the two valleys. In the third valley are located: the village square and the village mosque. The most significant feature of the third valley is the monastery complex, carved as a dome-shaped structure. The pigeon ornaments carved on high hillsides in this valley add an additional value to the ruins. At the egress point of the valley just at the bottom edge of the hillside the Direkli Church is located, belonging to the early years of monastic life. The valley was settled until 1952 when it was abandoned due to erosion.

I put some pictures in specific sub-galleries, and identified some pictures by name. The unidentified ones are random shots taken along the paths I followed.