History and archaeology / Archaeological site
Binbirkilise (Thousand and One Churches)
Merkez, Karaman
The remains of about fifty Byzantine churches spread around Madenşehri and Değle on the northern slopes of the Karadağ volcano.
Safety warning
Its story
Between the 3rd and 8th centuries the area was an important Christian center of Lycaonia; its name comes from the many churches here. The remains are in two groups: Madenşehri below and Değle–Üçkuyu above. As there was little timber in the area, the buildings were built of large cut-stone blocks, and the roofing was solved with vaults and arches. Basilicas, monasteries, cisterns and house remains are intertwined with the village fabric; the reuse of the stones in new buildings means the remains diminish every year. Near Değle there is also a Hittite relief. The archaeological site is unfenced, unprotected land.
Key facts
- Period
- Mainly 3rd–8th century (Byzantine)
- Location
- ~30 km north of Karaman, Karadağ
- Admission
- Open land
- Visit duration
- 2–3 hours
Trip purpose
- Photography
- Quiet
- Day trip
- Hiking
Location
37.43134, 33.11713
Where to eat nearby
No food & drink venues listed nearby.
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors; Overture Maps
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Source: Web derlemesi (doğrulanmalı): https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binbirkilise | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binbirkilise | https://ktb.gov.tr/EN-99274/karaman.html | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q863532