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This valley is situated
near Yesilhisar in the province of Kayseri, 40km southeast of Urgup, and
25km to the east of Derinkuyu.
Fractures and collapses
during earthquakes have added to erosion resulting in deep valleys and
canyons. Soganli valley, which is divided into two, has been occupied
since the Roman period. The rock cones found on the sides of the
valley were used as graves by the Romans, and later as churches by the
Byzantine. The frescoes in the churches date back to the 9th and
13th centuries.
Important churches in the
valley are Karabas, Yilanli, Kubbeli and the Church of St. Barbara (Tahtali).
The Church of
St. Barbara (Tahtali)
This church lies at the
end of the valley to the west of the village. The single-apsed, single-naved
church is barrel-vaulted. The vault is divided into two with a projection
line. The church is dated to the beginning of the 10th century and interesting
due to the presence of many portraits of saints.
Scenes:
On
the apse Prophetic Vision, on the northern wall Deesis, on the vault Annunciation,
Visitation, Proof of the Virgin, Journey to Bethlehem, Nativity,
Anastasis, The Seven Sleepers and portraits of saints.
The Karabas Church
This is found on the right
side of the valley to the north of the village. Besides the church,
graves, large vaulted chapels, and priests' rooms can be found in this
rock mass.
The church has one nave,
one apse, and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The 11th century church was painted
at varying times, using different techniques.
Scenes:Deesis,
Annunciation, Nativity, Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Transfiguration,
Communion of the Apostles, Crucifixion, Anastasis, Ascension and portraits
of saints.
The Kubbeli
(Domed) Church
This lies to the north of
the village, on the left of the valley. Fine carving has created
domes from the rock, and the work on the side walls resembles pointing.
The church, with its domes, vaults and apses, displays advanced architectural
techniques. The upper part of the church has three apses and three naves.
The church is dated to the end of the 10th century.
Scenes:
On the main apse Prophetic Vision; on the side apse Deesis, on the vault
Massacre of the Innocents, Pursuit of Elizabeth, Annunciation, Visitation,
Proof of the Virgin, Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Flight into Egypt,
Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Killing of Zacharias, Calling of John,
Christ and John, Preaching of John, Baptism, Christ and Zacharias, Marriage
at Cana, Miracle of the Wine, Jesus and the Samaritan Woman , Entry into
Jerusalem, Healing of the Nobleman’s Daughter and portraits of
saints.
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