{"id":1566,"date":"2026-10-20T17:05:52","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T14:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/?page_id=1566"},"modified":"2026-10-20T17:09:52","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T14:09:52","slug":"guzelyurt-sivrihisar-ve-akyamac-bolgelerinde-bizans-yuzey-arastirmalari-gabar","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/?page_id=1566","title":{"rendered":"G\u00fczelyurt, Sivrihisar ve Akyama\u00e7 B\u00f6lgeleri’nde Bizans Y\u00fczey Ara\u015ft\u0131rmalar\u0131 (GABAR)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"
Hasan Da\u011f\u0131 with the Y\u00fcsek kilise, \u00a9 A. Lamesa\/ GABAR project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The GABAR project is a four-year survey programme in western Cappadocia (Aksaray Province). Its first field season took place in 2025 with the permission of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The project is directed by Ana\u00efs Lamesa (Bilkent University) under the auspices of the French Institute for Anatolian Studies (IFEA). Its main funding bodies are the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, UKRI and the University of Edinburgh, the Laboratoire historique des rh\u00e9toriques, and Punto Company. The project also receives material support from G\u00fczelyurt Municipality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GABAR aims to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Train students and young specialists in survey, documentation and analysis<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Build an archaeological map of the area, documenting its rock-cut and masonry structures<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Understand the spatial organisation of the landscape and its communication routes over the long term<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Contribute to dating the monuments and the phases of use of the area<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Study the economy of stone and the building materials used<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study area<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research area covers the town of G\u00fczelyurt and the villages of Sivrihisar and Akyama\u00e7 (Figure 1<\/strong>). G\u00fczelyurt stands on a mesa cut by valleys (Figure 2)<\/strong> among them the Manast\u0131r Vadisi, whose cliffs contain numerous rock-cut structures, some of them painted churches. North of the town lies Akyama\u00e7, whose former Orthodox church now serves as a mosque (Figure 3)<\/strong>. Further south-east, the abandoned village of Sivrihisar is largely carved into the flanks of the hill that bears the Sivrihisar fortress (Figure 4<\/strong>). A valley leads from the village to a plain where the masonry church of K\u0131z\u0131l Kilise, the Red Church, stands (Figure 5)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Fig. 1<\/strong> : Location of the study area. \u00a9 \u0130. \u00dc\u00e7ba\u015faran \/ GABAR project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Fig. 2<\/strong> : G\u00fczelyurt. \u00a9 A. Lamesa\/ GABAR project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Fig. 3<\/strong> : K\u0131z\u0131l Kilise. \u00a9 \u0130. \u00dc\u00e7ba\u015faran \/ GABAR project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Fig<\/strong>. 4<\/strong>: The Kale of Sivrihisar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Fig. 5<\/strong> : The former Orthodox church of Akyama\u00e7, now a mosque. \u00a9 G. Karaman Uray \/ GABAR project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Earlier research concentrated mainly on individual monuments. Francis Ainsworth (1839) and Gertrude Bell (1907) were among the first travellers to describe the area. After the Second World War, Jacqueline Lafontaine-Dosogne (1967) and Nicole and Michel Thierry (1963) inventoried the painted churches of the Hasan Da\u011f\u0131 region. In the 1990s, Sacit Pekak (1993 and 1994) published the most comprehensive inventory of the churches of G\u00fczelyurt, and Eugenia Equini-Schneider (1997) published data on the fortress and on rock-cut tombs. Excavations under the direction of the Aksaray Museum followed in the 2000s (2007, 2008, 2009).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

GABAR combines three complementary strands of work, all integrated in a GIS database. Campaigns last about four weeks each June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The extensive survey<\/strong> covers the three settlements and their surroundings. Structures are located by GPS, photographed and described. Because rock-cut spaces are extremely numerous, those with a distinctive feature are recorded: a cross, a clearly identifiable function, arches, a lunette above a door, plaster remains or an inscription. This approach favours the valleys, where cliffs allow carving, and is less suited to densely inhabited villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The intensive survey<\/strong> targets selected sectors around monuments. In accordance with the regulations, only diagnostic sherds (rims, bases, handles and decorated body sherds) are collected. A typological catalogue of the pottery is being compiled, as no local reference series for medieval everyday wares has yet been published.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scientific analyses<\/strong> are carried out with specialists from Turkish, British, French and Portuguese institutions. They include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– the 3D documentation of churches and terrain by photogrammetry and drone, in partnership with IFEA, the University of Minho and UKRI \/ the University of Edinburgh<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– the geology of the volcanic tuffs in which structures are carved and of ancient quarries<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– the analysis of mortars and painted plasters, in partnership with IFEA, UKRI \/ the University of Edinburgh, Ko\u00e7 University, Institut Jean Lamour – Universit\u00e9 de Lorraine, Laboratoire GeoRessources – Universit\u00e9 de Lorraine and DTalent. Analysis funded by the ARPAMED foundation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– the study of the pottery, in partnership with IFEA, UKRI \/ the University of Edinburgh, the University of St Andrews, Newcastle University. Analysis funded by the British Institute at Ankara<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– the 3D documentation of churches and terrain by photogrammetry and drone, in partnership with IFEA, the University of Minho and UKRI \/ the University of Edinburgh<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Public outreach and training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2024-2025 academic year, IFEA hosted a monthly research seminar, Cappadocia Making<\/em>. It explored the landscapes of Cappadocia through archaeological, geographical and historical sources, and included a roundtable in G\u00fczelyurt itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the 2025 and 2026 field seasons, three workshops on ceramic drawing, 3D modelling and the digitisation of architectural plans were organised (see Figures 6, 7 and 8)<\/strong>. The GABAR project also provides fieldwork material for two master\u2019s research projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Fig. 6<\/strong> : Photogrammetry training in the field and in the laboratory, 2025 \u00a9 A. Lamesa\/ GABAR project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Fig. 7<\/strong> : Ceramic drawing workshop, 2025 \u00a9 A. Lamesa\/ GABAR project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Fig. 8\u00a0<\/strong>: Architectural plan workshop, 2026 \u00a9 A. Lamesa\/ GABAR project<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A\u011fary\u0131lmaz, G., Y. K\u00f6ro\u011flu, and Y. Kiper (2008). K\u0131z\u0131l Kilise\u2019nin Etraf\u0131ndaki Yerle\u015fmede Yap\u0131lan 2007 ve 2008 Y\u0131llar\u0131 Sondaj \u00c7al\u0131\u015fmalar\u0131. In S. Do\u011fan, Kappadokia B\u00f6lgesi Sivrihisar\u2019daki K\u0131z\u0131l Kilise<\/em>, 64\u201371. \u0130stanbul: Arkeoloji ve Sanat Yay\u0131nlar\u0131.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ainsworth, W. F. (1842). Travels and Researches in Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, Chaldea, and Armenia<\/em>. London: John W. Parker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equini-Schneider, E., M. Spanu, C. Morselli, and C. Vismara (1997). Varia Cappadocia. Archeologia classica<\/em> 49: 101\u2013209.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G\u00fcl\u00e7\u00fcr, F. S. (2008). Gelveri-Y\u00fcksekkilise 2007 Sondaj \u00c7al\u0131\u015fmas\u0131. T\u00fcrk Eski \u00c7a\u011f Enstit\u00fcs\u00fc Haberler B\u00fclteni<\/em> 25: 22.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G\u00fcl\u00e7\u00fcr, F. S., and Y. Kiper (2009). Gelveri-Y\u00fcksekkilise 2007 Y\u0131l\u0131 Sondaj \u00c7al\u0131\u015fmas\u0131. Kaz\u0131 Sonu\u00e7lar\u0131 Toplant\u0131s\u0131<\/em> 30\/4: 285\u2013296.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lafontaine-Dosogne, J. (1963). Nouvelles notes cappadociennes. Byzantion<\/em> 33\/1: 121\u2013187.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pekak, S. (1993). G\u00fczelyurt\u2019ta (Gelveri) bulunan Bizans\/Post-Bizans d\u00f6nemi kiliseleri 1. Hacettepe \u00dcniversitesi Edebiyat Fak\u00fcltesi Dergisi<\/em> 10\/2: 123\u2013160.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pekak, S. (1994). G\u00fczelyurt\u2019ta (Gelveri) bulunan Bizans\/Post-Bizans d\u00f6nemi kiliseleri 2. Hacettepe \u00dcniversitesi Edebiyat Fak\u00fcltesi Dergisi<\/em> 11\/1\u20132: 177\u2013216.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ramsay, W. M., and G. L. Bell (1909). The Thousand and One Churches<\/em>. London: Hodder and Stoughton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thierry, N., and M. Thierry (1963). Nouvelles \u00e9glises rupestres de Cappadoce. R\u00e9gion du Hasan Da\u011f\u0131<\/em>. Paris: C. Klincksieck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main links:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall project: https:\/\/ifea-istanbul.net\/projet-gabar-en\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Mortars and Painted plasters analysis: https:\/\/ifea-istanbul.net\/projet-gabar-analyse-des-mortiers-et-enduits-peints\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Cappadocia Making seminar series: https:\/\/ifea-istanbul.net\/seminaires-cappadocia-making\/<\/a> (in French).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The GABAR project is a four-year survey programme in western Cappadocia (Aksaray Province). Its first field season took place in 2025 with the permission of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The project is directed by Ana\u00efs Lamesa (Bilkent University) under the auspices of the French Institute for Anatolian Studies (IFEA). Its main funding … Continue reading G\u00fczelyurt, Sivrihisar ve Akyama\u00e7 B\u00f6lgeleri’nde Bizans Y\u00fczey Ara\u015ft\u0131rmalar\u0131 (GABAR)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":41,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/full-width-page.php","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1566","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","no-featured-image"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"ixion-featured-content":false,"ixion-featured-image":false,"ixion-avatar":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"arkeoadm","author_link":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/?author=1"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"The GABAR project is a four-year survey programme in western Cappadocia (Aksaray Province). Its first field season took place in 2025 with the permission of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The project is directed by Ana\u00efs Lamesa (Bilkent University) under the auspices of the French Institute for Anatolian Studies (IFEA). Its main funding…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1566","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1566"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1566\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1582,"href":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1566\/revisions\/1582"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/41"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1566"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkeo.bilkent.edu.tr\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1566"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}