SOĞANLI VALLEY
This valley is situated near Yeşilhisar in the province of Kayseri, 40 km. southeast of Ürgüp and 25 km. to east of Derinkuyu. Fractures and collapses during earhtquakes have added to erosion, resulting in deep valleys and canyons. Soğanlı Valley, which is divided has been occupied since the Roman period. The Romans used the conial rock formations as graves and later Btzantines transformed them into churches. The frescoes in the churches date back to the 19th and 13th centuries. Karabaş, Yılanlı, Kubbeli and the Church of St.Barbara (Tahtalı) are notable churches in the valley.
Kubbeli (Domed) Church
This church’s fine carvings,domes,vaults and apses display advanced architectural techniques. The basilica-style church has three apses and three naves. The church dates to the early 10th century. Scenes include the Prophetic Vision, Diesis, Massacre of the Innocents, Pursuit of Elizabeth, Annunciation, Visitation, Proof of the Virgin,Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Flight into Egypt, Presentation in the Temple, Killing of Zacharias, Calling of John, John meeting Christ, Preaching of John, Baptism, Christ and Zacharias, Marriage at Cana/ Miracle of Wine, Jesus and the Samaritan Woman, Entry into Jerusalem, Healing of the Nobleman’s Daughter and portraits of the saints.
Leave a Reply