Cambazlı Church

Cambazlı Kilisesi is located within the boundaries of Cambazlı Village in the Silifke district of Mersin Province, Türkiye, approximately 29 kilometers east of Silifke. This area, situated along an important ancient transportation and settlement axis, is connected to Uzuncaburç (Diocaesarea), Ura (Olba), and Kızkalesi (Corycus) via a paved ancient road. The presence of this route and the dense archaeological remains in its vicinity indicate that Cambazlı was a significant settlement during the Late Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Cambazlı Kilisesi (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Characteristics of the Church and Entrance System

Cambazlı Kilisesi is dated to the Byzantine period and is believed to have been constructed after the second half of the fifth century. It is one of the best-preserved examples of early Christian architecture in the region, with its structure remaining standing up to the level of the roof.

The church is a basilical structure oriented east-west, measuring approximately 20 by 13 meters, and is divided into three naves by two rows of six columns each. Although the northern columns have collapsed, they remain in situ; the southern nave’s columns on both the ground and gallery levels, along with the arches connecting them, have survived intact. Some of the column capitals are spolia. The gallery level is defined by a continuous cornice.

To the east, the church terminates in a semi-domed apse flanked by two pastophoria (side chambers) that differ in size and plan. The eastern walls of the apse and chambers are smooth. On the western side, the structure is extended by a three-door narthex. Access from the narthex to the naos is provided through three doorways, the central one being wider and taller. Its lintel and jambs are decorated with relief motifs of bead-like borders. Traces of roof supports on the naos walls indicate that the building originally had a gabled roof.

Cambazlı Kilisesi (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Facades and Architectural Details

On the southern facade, square-like rectangular window openings are found at the lower level, while paired window series are located at the upper level. On the eastern facade, a partially preserved arched double window is situated above the apse. The northern facade was left solid as a protective measure against heavy rainfall in the region. The western facade is largely ruined, but a linteled opening remains visible on its southern section. On the western face of the wall separating the narthex from the naos, three linteled doorways and windows above them are still observable.

Cambazlı Kilisesi (Silifke Municipality)

Temenos Area and Other Structures

The church is surrounded by a temenos wall. Within its courtyard stands a cistern. In the immediate vicinity of the church, various remains from the Late Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Byzantine periods are found, including rock-cut tombs, inscribed and relief-decorated sarcophagi, temple-type monumental tombs, and fortification walls. These structures demonstrate that Cambazlı served as an important burial and sacred site throughout its history.