The Direkli Church, next to
Ihlara Valley, is an interesting church in Cappadocia. It has many icons of
doctor saints, including of course St Panteleimon, whilst also having icons of
local saints, such as St Basil the Great. It is not sure to whom this Church
was dedicated too; however, the fact that there are many doctor Saints, might
help in naming it. Nonetheless, this has not happened as yet.
The cross-in-square plan of the
Church is designed with four columns. The face of the rock overlooking the
valley hosting monastery venues is divided into three sections with four
pillars and is limited with blind arched frieze.
The frescoes are dated between
976-1025 AD. According to an inscription in the Church, ‘This Church was built
or decorated in the period of Emperor Vasileios and Konstantinos for the
survival and forgiveness of the sins of your servant (name of the patron).’
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