Cappadocia Province Acts 2:9, I Pet. 1:1
About Cappadocia:
The region of the central Anatolia which is called Cappadocia was
surrounded by Galatia (Ankara) and Lykaonia (Konya) to the west,
Armenia to the east, Pontus to the north and Kilikia to
the
south. It shows a spectacular and surprisingly different landscape
with its wind and water eroded volcanic tuff based soil. There are
thousands of natural, pyramid shaped rock formations and cave-like
settlement places carved by humans since the early ages throughout
the region.
Cappadocia is located approximately 50km. to the south of Mount
Erciyes (Argaeus), a former volcano. The violent eruptions of
Erciyes covered whole area with a thick layer of volcanic ash.
During the following ages this hardened tuff created a bizarre
landscape by the strong influence
of the wind and water erosion. Some of these chimney-like rock
formations were dug-in as home or sometimes a church by the local
people.
They used to speak a different language than their neighbors. Famous
geographer and historian Strabon mentioned about these people in his
book "Geographica" with their separate culture and language. This
fertile country was occupied by its stronger neighbors throughout
the ages. Persians, Macedonians and Romans were among the rulers of
the land and its people in different times.
During the early periods of Christianity, the first followers of
Jesus and his apostles settled in the area to hide from the soldiers
of Roman Empire. It is known that St. Paul was looking for a secure
place after expelled from Jerusalem. He came to Cappadocia and
established the first Christian colony in this region with his
followers.
According to Herodotus, the people of Cappadocia were called Syrians
by their neighbors in Anatolia. The name Cappadocian was first used
by Persians. They called the land Cappadocia and the people living
on it Cappadocian.
Cappadocia was known to be a wealthy country with its fertile land
and trade links with the neighbors. The first kingdom of Anatolia
was founded in this region by the Hattis, 2000 years
before
Christ. There are various ruins in this area remained from the Hatti
kingdom period.
Finally, this important region of Anatolia was conquered and ruled
by the Seljuk's and Ottomans.
CHURCHES AROUND GOREME:
Apple (Elmali) Church :
This is one of the smallest and the most recent churches of the
area. It was built in the 11th century. It is cross shaped in the
ground plan.
The church was carved into the rock with a dome ceiling and pillars.
Four columns support this dome. There are some frescoes remained to
current time. These wall paintings represent the raising of the
Lazarus, the last supper, the crucifixion, angels and some other
holly figures.
Convent :
The convent was located across the monastery. The first floor was
used as a cellar, kitchen and living area. The church was on the
third floor. The rest of the convent was used as refuge. It was
known to be carved into the rock, during the 11th century.
Dark (Karanlik) Church :
This was built in the 11th century in the form of a monastery. It is
accepted as one of the best examples of Byzantine art of that
century. The art of the church was commissioned to a professional
artist by four benefactors who were portrayed in the frescoes. The
small opening looking out on the narthex is the only source of light
into the church. This helped to keep the frescoes in good shape
throughout the ages. It is considered to be the best preserved
environment in the area reflecting the 11th century Byzantian art.
The frescoes reflect scenes from the New Testament. The most
spectacular ones are : Christ Almighty on the main dome, the
baptism, the last supper, the crucifixion, the Christ's betrayal and
some Saints and Evangelists.
Snake (Yilanli) Church :
It was built into the rocks in the 11th century. It has a low
ceiling and long nave. As you
enter
you see a picture of Christ and the founder of the church. There are
frescoes on the other walls, showing St. Basil , St. Thomas and St.
Onouphrios. On the other wall St. Theodore is shown struggling with
a snake.
The pictures of emperor Constantine and his mother are also shown
supporting the cross with their hands.
The Church of St. Barbara :
This 11th century church has two columns supporting the ceiling and
it is carved into the rock. Its frescoes show St. George and St.
Theodore.
Church with a Shield :
This 11th century church is the biggest carved-rock church in
Cappadocia . It is on the main road to Avcilar, to the right. It is
accessed after a long vestibule to the west.
There used to be a shield hanging on the ceiling long time ago. This
does not exist anymore but the place where it was connected to the
ceiling is still visible. At the eastern end of the nave which is
connected to the vestibule there are four arched columns supporting
the structure. There is an elevated corridor behind this nave.
The church with a shield is one of the most noticeable churches in
the region with its size and spectacular frescoes.
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