Alahan Monastery: A Treasure Trove on an Historic Pilgrimage Route

Nestled in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains in Mut district of Mersin, Alahan Monastery stands as more than just a monastery; it is a unique historical complex that bears the traces of the Roman and Byzantine Empires and reflects the reflection of Christian faith in Anatolia.

History and Importance

Built in the 5th century AD by Emperor Zenon of Isauria, Alahan Monastery was a transition point on an important pilgrimage route during that era. Therefore, the monastery served not only as a religious site but also as a center that offered accommodation, worship and rest opportunities for pilgrims. Although the monastery’s brilliant period ended with the Arab raids in the 7th century, it managed to stand for many years. Evliya Çelebi, who visited the monastery in the 17th century and praised it as “It looks like it just came out of the hands of its master”, is an important evidence of the monastery’s well-preserved state until today.

Architectural Features

Alahan Monastery is a complex spread over a wide area. It consists of the West Church (Evangelist Basilica), Monastery Building, East Church, monk rooms carved into rocks and surrounding tombs. The church buildings share architectural features with the Hagia Sophia Museum. Especially the stonework and rich decorations adorned with motifs show that they were made by the masters of the period.

West Church: Located at the entrance of the monastery, the West Church was built in 488 AD. It has a three-nave basilica plan and a cruciform dome in the middle of the main nave. The entrance gate of the church is decorated with reliefs including figures of Gabriel and Michael.

Monastery Building: Located next to the West Church, the Monastery Building is the section where monks lived and worshipped. Consisting of rooms lined around a courtyard, the building has been preserved quite well to this day.

East Church: Located in the easternmost part of the monastery complex, the East Church was built in the 6th century. This smaller church also has rich decorations.

Rock-Cut Monk Rooms: The rooms carved into the rocks behind the monastery are the places where monks retreated and worshipped. These rooms also contain frescoes adorned with religious figures.

Tombs: There are rock-cut tombs around the monastery complex. These tombs belong to the monks who lived and died here throughout the monastery’s long history.