The monastery-like Alicin Geosite continues to remain a mystery

Alicin Geosite in Kızılcahamam district of Ankara, the capital of Turkey, continues to preserve its mystery.

Alicin Geosite is a geosite area consisting of volcanic tuffs and shaped by erosion over time. The rock formations in the region attract attention with their interesting and aesthetic appearance. Steep rocky slopes, caves, rock carvings and natural terraces are among the important geological elements of the geosite.

Alicin Geosite, which is similar to the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon with its appearance, does not contain any religious or social traces and signs.

From the research and excavation findings of Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şenyürek, it is determined that the Hittites lived in Kızılcahamam and the Kirmir valley, that is, at the base of the Alicin stream.

It is thought that the rock carvings and caves in the region belong to the Byzantine and Roman periods.

It is also said that the caves in the geosite area were built by Cin Ali, who is estimated to have lived in the 2nd half of the 19th century and known as a bandit.

This monastery-like geosite, built on a steep slope in the canyon, is thought to have an older history than the Sumela Monastery.

The monastery was built by blocking a gap in the agglomerates and is about 15 meters above the ground.

According to experts, this monastery was a place where people used to worship. What strengthens this view is that monasteries are built in valleys and stream beds.

Another view is that it was a line of defense during the Roman period. This is because, as in other monasteries, there are no painted religious figures or compartmentalized rooms inside. The presence of historical castles and fortifications in the vicinity also supports this view.

With the archaeological excavations that will soon begin in the region, new information about Alicin geosite will be available.

Cover Photo: IHA