Açik Saray and Medieval Military Campaigns

Alexander Grishin

Abstract

Açik Saray is an extensive archaeological site in Cappadocia, in central Anatolia, in present day Turkey. It covers about 1.5 square kilometres, and within a series of large flat cones are several carved complexes. It lies along the route of an ancient road and is about 28 kilometres from Göreme and about 30 kilometres from Çavusin, both of which contain clusters of Byzantine churches. The striking carved facades of Açik Saray can be seen from a considerable distance and have attracted comment from scholars of Cappadocia. There are two underlying assumptions found in most discussions of the site - first, that it is a single vast complex and second, that it is a specifically monastic complex. Both are questioned in this paper. The reassessment of the archaeological and historical data which relates to the site prompts the conclusion that we are dealing with two quite different complexes, one of which may possibly be dated in the latter half of the tenth century and appears to have been designed as some sort of military staging camp, while the other dates the best part of a century later and has much in common with other monastic complexes of Cappadocia.

Diagram

Açik Saray general site plan (after L. Rodley)

Illustrations

1) General view, Açik Saray site

2) General view, Açik Saray, complex No. 4

3) General view, Açik Saray, complex No. 7

4) Açik Saray, complex No. 7, façade view

5) Açik Saray, complex No. 7, façade detail

6) Açik Saray, complex No. 7, fresco detail

7) Açik Saray, complex No. 2, façade detail

8) Açik Saray, complex No. 4, interior detail

9) General view, Açik Saray, complex No. 3

10) Açik Saray, complex No. 3, interior view

11) Karsi Kilise, exterior view

12) Church of Nikephoros Phocas, at Çavusin, 964-65, detail of Emperor Nikephoros Phocas

13) Church of the Holy Cross, Aght'amar, 915-21, detail of exterior carving

14) Church of the Holy Cross, Aght'amar, 915-21, detail of exterior carving

15) Church of the Holy Cross, Aght'amar, 915-21, detail of exterior carving

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