Early Christian octagonal church unearthed in Türkiye’s Tyana

Archaeologists at Tyana Ancient City in Kemerhisar, Bor district of Nigde, in southern Türkiye, have unveiled an intriguing historical find: an early Christian octagonal church.

Led by professor Osman Doganay, the excavation team has uncovered a substantial portion of this unique structure.

Tyana Ancient City: Historical overview

Doganay explained that Tyana Ancient City, located in the Central Anatolia Region, has long been a strategic junction connecting to the Mediterranean via Gulek Pass.

The site has served as a key transit point for various armies and societies throughout history, with evidence of habitation dating back to 2500 B.C.

Excavations have been conducted with permission from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism since 2016.

Significance of octagonal church

The ongoing excavations have revealed an octagonal-plan church, notable as the earliest of its kind in Anatolia and one of the earliest Christian churches worldwide.

The church features both gallery and upper levels. As a bishopric church, it is also linked to the presence of a bishop’s palace in the area.

Restoration and tourism potential

Following the completion of restoration work, the site will be integrated with the existing arches and opened to the public.

“This church is remarkable for being the only surviving octagonal church from the ancient world and one of the earliest Christian structures,” said Doganay.

The restoration aims to enhance the site’s appeal to tourists and provide further insights into early Christian history.

This significant discovery not only boosts the tourism potential of Tyana Ancient City but also offers valuable contributions to the understanding of early Christian architecture and history.