Goreme Open Air Museum, Cappadocia, Turkey

Goreme is a sacred place. It was referred to as Korama where St. Hieron was born at the end of the 3rd century. A very large Christian community had formed into Cappadocia in the 2nd century,with 2 bishoprics , one at Kayseri and the other at Malatya. By the 4th century it was known as the land of three saints, (St. Basil - Bishop of Kayseri 329-379, his brother  St. Gregory of Nyssa 335-394 and St. George of Nazianus 329-394. The monastery at Goreme is reflective of St. Basil’s community of worship.  The Tokali Church is the oldest known rock - cut church in the region. The old church was built in 10th century.
They didn’t allow photographs with or without flash to be taken in the Goreme churches. Indeed there was a guard there in each to ensure against that and vandalism.
My guide, Mehmet Buyukata (buyukata_mehmet@hotmail.com) teaches history and religious studies at the university.  Guides weren’t allowed to speak in the church so he would tell me from memory what was on each of the walls. That was impressive by itself.  I was very moved by the ancient paintings.
I later bought the Goreme book by archeologist Murat Gulyaz so I would have some of the pictures that most moved me .I’ve taken a picture of these from that book and one from a post card.
There were chapels without the fine frescos. In one I sat and prayed for family, friends and closest connection to God.  It is good to be in spaces where for hundreds of years individuals such as myself have humbly asked for guidance from the great unknown.



Entrance to Tokali Church










 Mother and baby Jesus (Tokali Church -Goreme by Gulyaz)

In front of each of the chapels, there was an information panel in several languages. I’ve just included a few of these.



Picture of St. George from Chapel of St. Basil (Goreme, Gullyaz).












A dog found a cosy place out of the wind.



















Refectory in Chapel of St. Catherine.