Ancient Mosque Discovered in Turkey's Cappadocia: 600-year-old Place of Worship Unveiled
In the heart of Taşkınpaşa village, Ürgüp, Nevşehir, a significant historical find has been unearthed. A 600-year-old masjid, hidden for centuries, has been discovered, shedding light on the religious and cultural practices of the late Anatolian beylik period.
Historical Context
The masjid dates back to the late Anatolian beylik period, a time of political fragmentation in Anatolia following the decline of the Seljuk Empire. This period saw the rise of smaller, regional beyliks that played a crucial role in the transition from the Seljuk era to the Ottoman Empire. One of these principalities, the Eretna Beylik, is believed to have connections to the site. Known for its cultural and architectural achievements, the Eretna Beylik was a significant power in central Anatolia during the 14th century.
Architectural and Cultural Significance
The masjid features an intricately crafted stone mihrab, emblematic of Islamic architecture. The presence of a mihrab indicates that the structure was indeed used for prayer, aligning with Islamic religious practices. The discovery contributes to understanding the cultural and religious practices of the region during the beylik period. The masjid's design and materials suggest a continuation of Seljuk-era craftsmanship, highlighting the cultural continuity in the region despite political changes.
Discovery and Preservation
The masjid was hidden beneath a firewood storage area, which helped preserve it from damage or destruction over the centuries. Its discovery is significant because it provides a fresh perspective on the historical and cultural landscape of the region. The site's lack of documentation in historical records makes it an exciting find, offering new avenues for research. Further study will help clarify its original purpose and shed light on daily life during the beylik period.
The discovery was made by art history experts from Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, with Associate Professor Alper Altın finding the discovery exciting and believing that research will determine the site's original purpose. Local resident Mehmet Ersen, 63, recalls tourists mentioning a mosque in the past but no work being carried out until now.
The village is home to the 16th-century Taşkınpaşa Madrasa and Mosque, and the recent discovery adds another layer of historical significance to the region. The 600-year-old masjid offers a unique window into the religious and cultural practices of the late Anatolian beylik period, specifically during the time of the Eretna Beylik. Its discovery enhances our understanding of this era and highlights the resilience of architectural styles and religious traditions in the region.
Arts enthusiasts and connoisseurs of lifestyle will find the recent archaeological discovery in Ürgüp, Nevşehir intriguing. A 600-year-old masjid, hiding in plain sight for centuries, sheds light on the home-and-garden practices of the villagers during the late Anatolian beylik period, as it was discovered beneath a firewood storage area. This significant findings adds a unique charm to the region's historical living quarters, offering a fascinating fusion of arts, lifestyle, and local architecture.
