Gökçe-Mamasun (Aksaray)

An archaeological survey at the site of a Byzantine cave community near the village of Gökçe, 12 km northeast of Aksaray, was undertaken in 2006 by Rainer Warland of Freiburg University.

The rock-cut settlement consisted of at least seven dwellings with integrated chapels, plus two isolated churches. The dwellings each have public rooms with facades, kitchens, work areas and stables around an open courtyard, as well as a private chapel used for burials. They appear to have been used from the 10th to the 13th century, with frescoes of the 13th century found throughout. In the chapel of Dwelling 2 is a colossal painting of Archangel Michael and pillar icons of John the Baptist and Christ.

The focus of the community was a cruciform, domed church (Gokçe 5), which was very richly decorated with frescoes, including an apse composition of the 10th century showing the vision of Ezekiel. The 13th century paintings were mostly donated by a wealthy ointment dealer called Konstantinos. They include a Presentation of Christ in the Temple, in the north lunette, and depictions of Mary and a saint in the entrance area. There was a graveyard here and a burial chamber on the roof of the church.

Bibliography

Rainer Warland, "Die byzantinische Höhlensiedlung von Gökçe/Momoasson in Kappadokien", Istanbuler Mitteilungen 58 (2008), 347