Thousand Churches

Binbir Kilise is located approximately 50 km from Karaman, on the northern side of the Karadağ massif. Throughout history, it has served as a home to various cultures, enriching the region’s cultural heritage. Karadağ and its surroundings, recognized as a sacred center since the Hittite period, held strategic importance due to their position at the intersection of major ancient routes.

View of Binbir Kilise from Above (Karaman Governorate)

The remains in the area reflect architectural and artistic features from different periods. Burial structures also reveal the cultural diversity and variations in burial traditions of the region. However, despite this historical richness, the ruins of Binbir Kilise are suffering damage due to natural factors and human-induced destruction. Therefore, their preservation and transmission to future generations are of great importance.

Binbir Kilise (Karaman Governorate)

Name and Location

Binbir Kilise encompasses the archaeological sites of Madenşehir and Değle. The site, known locally as Binbir Kilise, is associated with Barata mentioned in ancient sources. A connection is particularly drawn between Barmeta in Hittite hieroglyphic inscriptions and Binbir Kilise.

Ancient authors and lists of bishops place Barata near significant centers such as Ikonion (Konya), Tyana (Bor/Kemerhisar), and Hyde. It is noted that Barata was situated at a crucial point linking Ikonion (Konya)–Heraklia (Ereğli) and Tyana. Additionally, an ancient road passing north of Karadağ is known to have connected Barata with Çoğlu, Akçaşehir, Kaleköy, and Sidamaria (Ambar).

History

Karadağ and its surroundings have been an important settlement area since the Hittite period. In particular, Hittite hieroglyphic inscriptions and altars found on Mahalaç Tepe at the summit of Karadağ indicate that this area has been a sacred center since antiquity.

During antiquity, known as Barata, Binbir Kilise lay between major centers such as Ikonion (Konya) and Tyana (Bor/Kemerhisar). The region held strategic importance in connecting Ikonion–Heraklia (Ereğli) and Tyana. An ancient road network passing north of Karadağ demonstrates Barata’s critical role in transportation and trade during this period.

Binbir Kilise retained its significance during the Christian era, emerging as a religious center. The churches, monasteries, and other religious structures in the area support the view of its prominent role during this time.

Binbir Kilise ()

Settlement Areas

The area known as Binbir Kilise consists of three main settlement zones: Madenşehir, Yukarı Ören, and Değle.

• Madenşehir: Located in a depression surrounded by Kızıldağ, Göz Dağı, and Çet Dağı.

• Yukarı Ören: Situated along the road leading to Üçkuyu Village and south of Maden Dağı.

• Değle: Located approximately 6.5 km west of Madenşehir, at a higher elevation.

These settlement areas contain various remains including churches, monasteries, cisterns, tombs, military structures, and dwellings. Madenşehir is referred to as “Aşağı Şehir” and is known to contain remains from the Late Roman and Byzantine periods. Değle, called “Yukarı Şehir,” is believed to have artifacts dating to the pre-Hellenistic period.

Burial Structures

Binbir Kilise features various types of burial structures, reflecting the richness of burial traditions in the region.

• Monumental Tomb (Mausoleum): Found in Madenşehir, this structure rises on a podium built of finely cut stone. The entrance to the burial chamber faces east.

• Rock-cut Ossuary: Located in Yukarı Ören, this structure is associated with cremation burial practices.

• Subterranean Stone-built Tombs: Found in Değle, these tombs are constructed of finely cut stone and covered with large block stones as caps.

• Rock-cut Boat-shaped Tombs (Khamosorions): These are inhumation tombs carved directly into the bedrock and covered with slabs. They are commonly found in Yukarı Ören and Değle.

• Sarcophagi: Some sarcophagi in Madenşehir are decorated with relief figures. Lion and tree of life motifs are frequently used.