ABOUT CAVE CHURCHES IN CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia area was pretty appealing place for Christians in the beggining of Christianity since Roman Empire discriminated and punished Christians for their religion. Area is on the Silk Road valleys which made Christians to reach the region easily. Cappadocia also has incredible hidden valleys that made hiding in the area so easy for Christians. This hidden valleys had a lot of Monasteries and Churchs for Christians to hide and worship in here.

Starting from AD 70 till AD 300 Christians kept staying at Cappadocia. But after AD 330 Helena, mother of Constantine the Great , made Christians to live and worship in freedom. Monasteries were places for Christians to learn and teach about religion and due to that era’s conditions frescoes come out as a way to explain informations. Cave-carved Frescoes in Cappadocian Churchs are one of the best that made in medieval age. You can see some parts from life of Jesus Christ like, the last supper, Nativity of Jesus, Jesus on the cross etc.

Churches in the Ihlara valley are dated between 6th and 11th Century. Frescoes in Ihlara valley’s churchs are generally made by artists are from the Cappadocia area. Some of the most knowns among this churchs are, Agac altı church, Kokar church, Yılanlı Church, Kırk dam Church and Sumbullu Church. Churches in the Soganli area are also dated between 6th and 14th century, the most famous ones are Karabas church, Yilanli church and Kubbeli church.

KIRKDAMALTI CHURCH