Remodeled subterranean monastery in Nevşehir to thrive as a tourist attraction hotspot
In the heart of Cappadocia, historians and local authorities are working together to restore a significant historical site: the Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery. Located some 10 to 15 meters below the surface, this ancient complex has lain neglected for many years, filled with rubble and damaged by treasure hunters.
The monastery, first discovered in the 1990s, is believed to have served as one of the world's earliest treatment centers for the mentally ill, with operations potentially dating back as far as the 4th century during the Byzantine period. This makes it a unique and precious find in the world of historical archaeology.
Historian Eray Karaketir has stated that the site is one of many subterranean complexes built in Cappadocia by Christians fleeing persecution during the Eastern Roman era. He also notes that the tunnels may have been connected to the town's extensive underground city.
Municipal teams have been working diligently to remove large volumes of soil and waste from the site, and safety measures have been put in place with local security forces. Temporary lighting has been installed to aid in the restoration process.
Derinkuyu Mayor Taner İnce has declared that the monastery is considered the oldest known treatment center of its kind in the world, adding that its opening will complement existing attractions in Derinkuyu and add a distinctive layer to the region's rich cultural landscape.
Once the expropriation is completed, plans are to open the monastery as a museum, allowing visitors to explore its tunnels, living quarters, cellars, and galleries. This restoration project is a testament to the region's commitment to preserving its historical and cultural heritage.
While the restoration is ongoing, parts of the site had been damaged by treasure hunters, with wooden frames and stone columns broken. However, the work being done now is helping to stabilize and expand access to the complex, ensuring that future generations can appreciate this remarkable piece of history.
It's worth noting that the historic underground monastery near Nevşehir is not the Selime Monastery, a rock-cut complex featuring a cathedral over 1300 years old, dating back to the 8th century. The Selime Monastery was discovered as part of the region's rich cave city and Christian history, but the precise date of its first discovery is not specified in the available sources.
As the restoration of the Aya Maryeros Underground Monastery progresses, it promises to be a significant addition to the tourism network in Derinkuyu, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the region's past and its role in the treatment of the mentally ill during ancient times.
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