This is thought to be an underground livestock feeding area close to the entrance to the caves.
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Ancient caravans of camels, etc., travelling the Silk Road stopped at this caravansary (an “inn” for the travellers with fortress-like walls surrounding a warm and gracious courtyard—at least at this one) with their goods, etc., not too far from Goreme (in today’s terms). Today it is a place dedicated to performances by Whirling Dervishes, which is what brought us here one night.
We were privileged to witness the Whirling Dervishes dance by going through the doors at the opposite end of the courtyard. Amazing.
One of the interior hallways of the caravansary at the edge of the courtyard…. It was a pretty elegant stop over spot…..
Another interior of the caravansary.
Here is a sample cliff/cave dwelling of mind bending complexity—carved into stone with simple tools.
The “hidden” side of Kilise church shows how the layers of the church spill down the mountain side.
An example of the interior of the Kilise church frescos. Sometime in the past, people sought to repair them by removing the smoke soot when they learned that the paint was better protected with the soot on.
The main entrance to the Kilise church which is hollowed out in a mountain like the many other dwellings and churches.
thebunguycord 