The Akmanastır Monastery, a remarkable historical and religious site carved into the tuff rock of central Anatolia, has been unveiled to the public following the relocation of military barracks that had safeguarded the site for nearly a century.
Nestled near the historic Sille neighborhood in Konya’s Selçuklu district, the monastery, known for its Cappadocia-like architecture, dates back to Late Antiquity. Its complex includes a church, chapel, monk cells, a holy spring (ayazma), and uniquely, a small mosque—one of only three monasteries globally to feature this rare integration.
Renovated in the 11th century, the monastery is referred to in Christian texts as the “Church of Saint Chariton.” It served as a significant religious center during the Byzantine and Seljuk periods, attracting figures such as Rumi, who reportedly spent a week in worship at its holy spring.
Associate Professor İlker Mete Mimiroğlu, an expert on Byzantine arts, highlighted the monastery’s uniqueness and preservation. “The monastery’s location within military grounds has ensured its excellent condition but also rendered it inaccessible for years. Its opening marks an exciting opportunity for both domestic and international tourists to explore this historical treasure,” he said.
The monastery’s church features a four-column Byzantine design with soaring 20-meter-high arches. A nearby cave, believed to be the Virgin Mary’s Baptismal Site, adds to its spiritual significance. Historical inscriptions also record gifts from the Mevlevi Order and the construction of the mosque during the Seljuk era.
With its newfound accessibility, Akmanastır is poised to become a must-visit destination, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich religious and cultural history.
