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.

Chora Museum, Istanbul

Along with Hagia Sophia, the Chora Museum was a highlight of my trip to Istanbul. Much of this was thanks to my guide, Mehmet Tetik (www.turkishguides.org\tetik). The whole story of the Bible is told on the ceiling of this Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, a byzantine masterpiece.It was originally built outside the walls as part of a monastery complex. The original church was built in early 5th century outside Constantines 4th century walls but was incorporated within the walls when Theodosius built his walls in the5th century.The church was rebuilt by Maria Dukaina mother in law of Alexis I Comnenus in the late 11th century. Part of the church collapsed in the 12th century and was rebuilt Isaac Comnenus, Alexus’ son. The powerful Byzantine statesman Metochites endowed the church with many of it’s mosaics and frescoes. Fifty years after the conquest by the Ottoman’s the church was converted into a mosque by plastering over the mosaics. Restoration began in 1948 and in 1958 the church was reopened as a museum.
Mehmet described and pointed out the story of first Mary’s birth in one room to the birth of Jesus and the life of Jesus through another room.  Having it described and pointed out made it more like it would have been experienced by the illiterate in ancient times, as a picture book depiction. It was a remarkable experience.

Christ as “The Land of the Living"



St. Peter holding the keys.

St. Paul                                                                                 Mary and Jesus

The story of the rods and how Joseph’s rod sprouted leaves so Mary was given to him.


Donkey looking in the manger. Mary’s feet bound to show virgin birth.


Herod’s men killing children under two.

Journey to Bethlehem.

Miracle of water into wine.

Anastasis - Jesus who has broken down the gates of hell is pulling Adam and Eve out of their tombs.

Virgin Mother and Child in dome