Cappadocia / The Hidden Cities and churches / Göreme

Göreme is one of the most interesting historical site both by its geographical localization and unique ancient ruins showcasing the architectural civilization through the history. It is estimated that there are over 600 rock cut churches in Cappadocia area.

In Open Göreme museum, it is possible to visit very well protected samples of Churches and monasteries from the second mid of 9th century of Christian civilization. Some of them are hidden and not open to public because of their deformation. On the other hand, it is possible to get the mystic sense of the history from the  many unusual rock-cut caves having an interesting formation and natural dyed frescos symbolising the early Christian era.

When I go into the caves I m very much impressed how well the interiors of the tufa caves were protected through the time. Since all the elements of the architectural structure, columns, niches, walls and stairs are carved in out of its own natural stone formation, they could have been carried through the ancient time till today.

It is very clear the mystical feeling of the geography provided a good space for the believers to concentrate on the spiritual world and made this geography a kind of religious center. The chapels, monasteries and the mosques are all good samples of those.

The center of Anatolia had become a hallway for the monks and hide them from all the outsider dangers by its excentric formation.  It is impossible not to appreciate how people could  live in such small spaces in the caves and under the ground to hide themselves to be more close to God and function their believes.