Excavation at the cave Church of Constantine-Helena Aktas (Andaval) which 9km far from City Nigde is intensely going on, thanks to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism because of their huge efforts dedicated on this way in order to protect our rich heritage.Restoration of the church includes those works to clean the church walls and revealing the frescoes. It's officially announced that it will take a time of three years. It's a 6th century church, that was built by Emperor Constantine for his mother Helena in 326BC. Known also as Helena Basilica, it is placed on the pilgrim route Istanbul to Jerusalem.
As seen above, Andaval relief from late Hittite times. Incriptions on a stele of a king. The first line has the city name ''Na-hi-ta'' which is the modern day's city Nigde. Historical sources say that the stele was found on the floor of Andaval Church. Currently it is in Istanbul Museum. Here are some photos from excavation works:
City Nigde is a small city in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. It was one of the largest cities in Anatolia by the early 13th century. It is a rich farmland with a number of ancient trade routes, particularly the road from Kayseri (ancient Caesarea) to Cicilian Gates. Settlers throughout history include Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and finally Turks from 1166 onwards.
So Nigde is an area with a very long history that there is a great variety of ancient, Christian and Islamic architecture, including Cappadocian underground cities and some of the finest Seljuk Turkish buildings, dating from almost all ages of the Seljuk period. Those artefacts dating back as far as 5000BC. In the vicinity of the city, there are: Roman tombs, the church in the village of Andaval, the Byzantine monastery -the latter contains chapels with frescoes, that depict saints and a smiling Mary-, underground cities in Cappadocia (Turkish: Kapadokya) -where is one of the centres of Christianity- and the mineral and mud baths.
I'm sure that I was Roman in a previous life, because I like ruins:) For example, a house looks like ruins, a garden looks like ruins... I love it!
I'm sure that I was Roman in a previous life, because I like ruins:) For example, a house looks like ruins, a garden looks like ruins... I love it!
*Source: Relief image from Monuments of the Hittites Hieroglyphic, Chicago.
hitites left a important mark on our culture, both middle eastern as well european. still some great discoveries to make there.
ReplyDeleteso you've been roman in an earlier life nihal?? perhaps we've met before... i lived in ancient carthage you know! but then again... the romans destroyed the city :(
Hi Nihal!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting me and your very nice comments.
I am very happy that you found me. The best part of blogging for me is that I have been introduced to some wonderful people all around the world that are so nice.It makes me feel so good to know that there is so much positive energy.
I too, was a Roman in an earlier life!!! We must have met. Bella Italia!
-Karen
I've really enjoyed the history lesson you provided this morning through your blog and links. I cannot imagine living where such things abound.
ReplyDeleteTell us more.
Darla
this is a very good site...Many Bravos for your work!
ReplyDelete@ Marita: Agree with you, that we must have met in Roman times, I remember;) *lusty laugh*
ReplyDelete@ Karen: Nice to see you here, welcome:) Thanks from the heart for your GOLDEN comments:) Yeap, there is a strong positive energy that it flows thru blogs, so cool!
You, too, were a Roman? Great! A triangle of Romans meeting on my blog: Marita, you and I, cheers:)
@ Darla: History is a map of the past as well as a map of the future. Without history, we cannot see the future if it's cloudy or clear.
@ Photographer Athens: Kalimera Atina! What I do try here is my best and to be natural and sincere as much as I can. Nothing more. Thanks for your comment, with sympathy for Greece all-ways! You're most welcome.