The religious architecture around the volcanic area of Karadağ in Türkiye reaches its maximum point with the location called "A thousand and one churches," located on the border between Konya and Karaman and a piece of a mountain itself. The "Thousand and One Churches" area has church walls, monasteries, and tombs representing Anatolia's culture and history. This district is considered a bishopric during the 3rd-9th centuries and is, by references, used as the Değle archaeological site. It has evolved throughout history, as the survivors of the Hittites preserved it from the Ottoman and other civilizations.
Importance and Significance
A critical station for the Christian pilgrims on the way from Europe to Jerusalem; the location was of paramount importance in late antiquity. The city's rich history, beautiful churches and monasteries, and burial grounds impress any travelers searching for cultural and spiritual sites.
Archaeological Discoveries
Modern-era archaeological prospections, for instance, the Topographic Age Archaeological Survey of Eastern Roman Period Religious Architecture of Karadağ, opened different aspects of the region's past. Taking the leadership of Professor Ilker Mete Mimiroğlu from Necmettin Erbakan University, the discovery of this region has led to the creation of unknown structures and a new lease of life for the existing religious sites. Mimiroğlu points out the sanctity of Karadağ, which has been revered since the old days sometimes. The mountain, denoted ritually by the Hittite Hieroglyphs and reliefs, remained significant up to the Byzantine period, which resulted in the building of thousands of churches. The word "Thousand and One," used by locals and historians, underlines that it is a land where they have piled up many things of different kinds themselves would develop.
Once in better condition, the region's buildings serve not only as churches but as tombs and burial structures. Western scholars have studied these structures extensively, with efforts by Semavi Eyice and Metin Ahunbay contributing valuable insights. However, much of this research remains unpublished. Necmettin Erbakan University's Department of Art History plans to complete and maintain the efforts with the support and assistance of the local authorities and the Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Recent discoveries of several buildings essential to the life of one Syriac monastery, including a new church, several smaller buildings for monks, and coffins, gave new insight into local life and religious practices.
The latest technologies, such as GPS mapping and three-dimensional models, are community research tools for recording and restoring historical sites. Although this might seem like preliminary evidence, it is still equally important as proof that the religious architecture of Karadağ plays a significant role in the cultural heritage of Türkiye.
In conclusion, Karadağ in southern Türkiye boasts a rich religious heritage, evident in its "Thousand and One Churches" area, where numerous churches, monasteries, and tombs dating back to various civilizations are found. Led by associate professor Ilker Mete Mimiroğlu, ongoing archaeological efforts have uncovered new findings, including six new church structures, numerous coffins, and even monk cells, shedding light on the region's early settlements and religious practices. These discoveries deepen our understanding of Karadağ's history and underscore its cultural significance. Efforts to document, study, and preserve these sites aim to safeguard Karadağ's artistic legacy for future generations while promoting tourism and economic growth in the region.
