Cambazlı Church is located within the borders of Cambazlı Village, belonging to the Silifke district of Mersin province in Türkiye, approximately 29 kilometers east of Silifke. This region, positioned on an important ancient transportation and settlement axis, is connected by a paved ancient road to Uzuncaburç (Diocaesarea), Ura (Olba), and Kızkalesi (Corycus). The road line and the dense archaeological remains around it indicate that Cambazlı was a significant settlement center during the Late Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

^{Cambazlı Church (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Church and Entrance System Features

Cambazlı Church dates back to the Byzantine period and is estimated to have been built after the second half of the 5th century. Among early Christian architecture in the region, it is one of the well-preserved examples that has survived up to the roof level.

The church is a basilica-plan structure oriented east-west. It measures approximately 20 by 13 meters and is divided into three naves by two rows of six columns. Although the northern columns have collapsed, they remain in situ; the southern nave’s ground-floor and gallery-level columns, along with the arches connecting them, have survived intact. Some of the column capitals are spolia (reused material). A cornice runs along the gallery floor level.

At the eastern end, the church terminates with a semi-domed apse flanked by two pastophoria (side chambers) which differ in size and plan. The eastern walls of the apse and chambers are well preserved. To the west, the structure is extended by a narthex with three doors. The passage from the narthex to the naos is through these three doors, with the central door being wider and taller, decorated with bead-motif relief borders on the lintel and doorjambs. Roof traces on the naos walls indicate the church had a double-pitched roof sloping to both sides.

^{Cambazlı Church (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)}

Facade and Structural Details

On the south facade, there are nearly square rectangular window openings at the lower level and paired window openings at the upper level. On the east facade, a partially preserved twin-arched window is located above the apse. The north facade is blind, likely serving as protection against heavy rainfall typical in the region. Although the west facade is mostly ruined, a lintelled opening can still be observed on its southern part. The wall separating the narthex and naos on the west facade includes three lintelled doors and windows above.

Temenos Area and Other Structures

The church is enclosed by temenos walls. Within its courtyard, there is a cistern. Surrounding the church are various remains from the Late Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Byzantine periods, including rock-cut tombs, inscribed and relief-adorned sarcophagi, temple-type monumental tombs, and fortification walls. These features demonstrate Cambazlı’s long-standing role as an important funerary and sacred area throughout history.