During the archaeological excavations in the ancient city of Tyana, situated in the Bor district of Niğde, researchers uncovered a church with an octagonal architectural plan. Prof. Dr. Osman Doğanay, who leads the excavation team and serves in the Archaeology Department of Aksaray University, underscored the city's historical significance. Located beneath the town of Kemerhisar, Tyana functioned as a strategic transit hub, facilitating connections between Central Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Its location made it a critical crossing point for various armies and civilizations throughout history, supporting a continuous habitation process.
"Tyana is one of the few cities in Anatolia with an uninterrupted settlement history," Dr. Doğanay explained. He noted that archaeological excavations, initiated in 2016 with authorization from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, have demonstrated that the site was inhabited as early as 2,500 BCE. He further emphasized the strategic value of Tyana, which not only attracted successive civilizations but also holds significant tourism potential due to its rich history.
The octagonal church, dating to the early Christian period in Anatolia, represents a rare architectural form that has survived to the present day. Notably, it is the only known surviving example of an octagonally planned church from antiquity. Excavations in 2024 revealed an additional side nave, further enriching the architectural understanding of the structure. Built shortly after the official recognition of Christianity, the church also features a gallery, and its role as a bishopric center suggests the presence of a nearby bishop's palace. Additionally, a baptistery was uncovered adjacent to the church.
Restoration and Public Access
Prof. Dr. Doğanay detailed plans for the church’s restoration, emphasizing that the structure will be integrated with the existing arches in the area and made accessible to the public. Once restoration is complete, the church is expected to become a significant tourism site. "The church’s most remarkable feature is its unique octagonal plan, marking it as one of the earliest Christian churches in Anatolia," Dr. Doğanay said. "Our findings affirm its historical importance, and we anticipate further discoveries that will provide deeper insights into its past."