Selime Cathedral
The Selim Cathedral is the largest and most elaborate cave complex in Cappadocia. A multi-story Byzantine settlement, it includes a massive kitchen, two halls, a cathedral church, and other rooms carved around two adjacent courtyards. Its massive size and prominent location, dating back to the 900s, reflect the importance of the Selim Cathedral.
The large room on the west (left) side of the courtyard is the kitchen. The cooks bake bread on the upper shelf in a mushroom-shaped oven. A large tandir pit in the floor supports a large iron pot. A fire burns within the pit, while slits in the side provide oxygen and allow the cooks to add fuel to the coals.
The large room on the west (left) side of the courtyard is the kitchen. The cooks bake bread on the upper shelf in a mushroom-shaped oven. A large tandir pit in the floor supports a large iron pot. A fire burns within the pit, while slits in the side provide oxygen and allow the cooks to add fuel to the coals.
The second barrel-vaulted hall is of enormous proportions—17 meters deep, 6 meters wide, and 8 meters high. This was the main hall for receiving visitors and holding ceremonial meals. Tall arched windows and wide doors allow for ample natural light. Behind this hall is a cross-shaped room with a carved cross on the ceiling.
The cathedral-style church has two arcades dividing the three aisles. The architectural features indicate great skill and planning.
The columns alternate between square piers and round columns. Each column has a massive base.
This was our last stop of the day. Since it was quite late, someone approached us as soon as we arrived at the parking lot. We finally understood this was a common Turkish tactic. If someone offered to sell us a tour and quoted a price, most of us would have declined. But he didn't even bother haggling, simply saying he'd take us inside. Since the museum was almost closing, he enthusiastically guided us inside, but we still had to pay. He said it depended on how we felt and what we gained. It was truly brilliant, not giving us a chance to refuse. We were grateful for his enthusiastic introduction, which also enriched our experience.
Finally, we climbed a small hill to a Maria Church with a painting of the Last Supper, and ended our trip today.
The wild flowers outside the churches are easily overlooked. They have been accompanying these churches year after year for thousands of years. They are the most beautiful natural flower arrangements prepared by God and a wonderful canvas for the world.
