Aya Thekla Monastery is located in the Silifke district of Mersin Province, Türkiye, and is one of the most significant centers in early Christian history. While the area was originally associated with the pagan temple of Athena Kannetis, it became linked to Saint Thekla following the spread of Christianity. The underground church built in the 4th century and the remains of a larger church constructed above it in the second half of the 5th century form the core of the Christian architectural complex at the site.
Aya Thekla Monastery (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
The Life of Saint Thekla and Her Influence on the Region
Thekla, a disciple of St. Paul—one of Jesus’ apostles—arrived in Silifke around AD 55 and began preaching Christianity. Facing increasing persecution from pagans, she sought refuge in a cave in the Seleucia region, where she continued to spread the Christian faith. According to tradition, Thekla performed miracles and was saved from execution by disappearing in this cave. The site was used secretly for worship until Christianity was officially recognized in AD 312, and was converted into a church by the end of the 4th century.
Architectural Features and Building Complex
The complex, known as Meryemlik, includes basilica-style churches, cisterns, a bathhouse, and burial areas. The main church is approximately 80 meters long and 36.8 meters wide, consisting of three naves separated by 15 columns. Its floor features mosaics in the opus sectile style with black, white, and red stones. To the east of the church is a cistern measuring 14.4 by 11.1 meters, divided into three sections by two rows of columns. There is also a square-plan bathhouse (18.5 x 15 meters) built of cut stone blocks.
The underground church is situated east of the basilica and dates to the 4th century. It is divided into three naves by columns with Corinthian capitals and includes a semicircular apse to the east, with small chapels on either side. To the west lies a rectangular hall. North of the underground church is the Domed Church, a structure covered with a dome and barrel vaults. Commissioned by Eastern Roman Emperor Zeno in the second half of the 5th century, it is considered one of the earliest examples of the fusion of dome and basilica forms, making it a key monument in the history of architecture.
Aya Thekla Monastery (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Religious and Cultural Significance
The cave where Thekla lived is considered sacred in the Christian tradition. She is recognized as one of the first female martyrs of Christianity. The site became an important place of worship during Christianity’s clandestine phase and evolved into a religious center in the 4th and 5th centuries. The basilica and other structures built by Emperor Zeno increased their significance as a pilgrimage destination. The Orthodox Church honors Saint Thekla on September 24 each year with a commemorative service in the underground church.
Aya Thekla Monastery (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Archaeological Evaluation
In 1907, archaeologists Ernst Herzfeld and Samuel Guyer dated the structures to the 5th century. The Domed Church is considered a pivotal early example of combining dome architecture with the basilica plan, serving as a precursor to later developments, including those used in the construction of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The cisterns, bathhouses, and remains of fortifications provide further insight into the region’s social and cultural life during the era.
