Selime Cathedral

Located in Guzelyurt District of Aksaray province, Selime Cathedral is the largest in Cappadocia. The cathedral has a multi-storey structure carved into rocks at a high point, and it has a magnificent beauty. Selime Cathedral served in Byzantium period as a significant center for religious activities for Christians. The first non-secret mass in Cappadocia was conducted there.

Apart from serving for religious purposes, Selime Cathedral was also an important military base. The locals utilized the cathedral as a castle many times and defended themselves by building trenches and fortifications on various points.

The cathedral is made up of tens of rooms connected to each other via tunnels and passages. There are two lines of columns inside the cathedral. These columns divide it into three sections. The church based on basilica plan with three naves is the single example for this type of church in the region. Selime Cathedral dates back to between 8^th and 9^th century, and the frescos inside are dated to late 10^th and early 11^th century.

The high corridor that stands in front of the cathedral entrance is a part of the caravan road that was used for commerce. As a result of the bazaar in Selime, caravans frequently arrived there and they were taken into the middle part of the cathedral for security reasons. It is important to see the kitchen inside the cathedral. It has the shape of a pyramid, there are niches for candles and connections to other rooms. Located in 100 meters east of the cathedral, Mother Mary Church is the most beautiful rock-carved church in the area. There are wonderful fairly-chimneys in front of the church.

Many religious figures were educated in Selime Cathedral and its surroundings which lay in the northern entrance of Ihlara Valley, and the area was among the most important locations for Orthodox Christians in Byzantium period. Thanks to the tolerance by Seljuk Turks who reigned the area since 11^th century, the religious life in Selime and Ihlara Valley continued for a long time.

In the depictions on Selime Cathedral, there are scenes such as the Ascension, the Evangel, Christmas, the Adoration of the Magi, the Massacre of the Innocents, the Flight to Egypt, the Pursuit of Elizabeth, the Baptism, the Virgin’s. First Seven Steps, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Dormition of the Virgin.

Selime Cathedral was utilized as a military base in Seljuk period as well. Commander Ali Pasha of the Seljuk carried a successful defence there against the Mongols. They were only able to take the castle by cheating, which resulted in martyrizing of Ali Pasha and his men. His tomb and shrine are located in the west of the cathedral.