Alahan Manastiri

Alahan Monastery, which Evliya Çelebi described as "It looks as if it has just come out of its master's hands.", is located near Geçimli Köyü on the Mersin-Karaman highway. It is situated at an altitude of 1300 metres on a steep slope overlooking the Göksu Valley.

Photo: Official Turkish Museums

During the spread of Christianity in Cappadocia and Lycaonia (Konya), the persecution of those who accepted this new religion and the fear of being killed by non-believers forced those who believed in Jesus Christ to worship in cave hollows in mountainous regions. St. Paul, together with Barnabas, one of the pioneers of Christianity who also lived in Tarsus, made adventurous journeys as far as Konya-Cappadocia and Antalya-Antakya to spread Christianity. Thus, temples were built in memory of these two Christian saints wherever they stayed during their travels. Alahan Monastery is one of them.

Photo: Official Turkish Museums

The Alahan Monastery Complex, estimated to have been built in 440-442, consists of the West Church, Monastery, East Church, monk cells carved into the rocks, and the surrounding graves. The church buildings share architectural features with Ayasofya.

Photo: Official Turkish Museums

Its decoration displays masterful stone carving. The first church is divided into three naves by two rows of columns with Corinthian capitals. The lintel and side jambs of the door leading from the narthex to the main space are decorated with reliefs. Besides the figures of St. Paul and St. Pierre, Gabriel with six wings carrying a wreath, Michael trampling symbolic creatures, the symbols of the roaring lion, eagle and ox, depictions of Gospel writings, bunches of grapes, vine leaves and fish motifs are richly depicted.

Photo: Official Turkish Museums

On the south side of the large courtyard to the east of the churches, the passage where religious ceremonies were held is in the form of an 11 metre long arched and columned gallery. In the middle of the gallery there is a large niche, elaborately worked on all sides with dense relief decoration. In the gallery there is an apsidal baptistery and opposite it the tombs, which are the most magnificent structure of Alahan Monastery. The north wall of these tombs was carved into the rock, and they have no upper covering. The middle of the main nave is interesting. This place is in the form of a square-planned tower covered with four arches resting on piers and columns. The tower was transformed into an octagon above. The door frame is decorated.

Photo: Official Turkish Museums

Source: Mersin Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism

Places to Visit in Mersin

Address: Geçimli Mahallesi, Mut, Mersin