1. The Problem of Function of the Spaces East of the Apse in Cilician Churches.
- Author
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YILDIRIM, Şener, UYGUN-YAZICI, Selda, and AKAR, Taner
- Subjects
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FUNCTION spaces , *RESEARCH personnel , *TWENTIETH century , *CULTS , *RELIGIOUS architecture , *WALL panels , *SAINTS - Abstract
Byzantine religious architecture of Cilicia presents strongly regional characteristics. This region possesses a rich architectural heritage from the Late Antique period, and various plan practices can be found here. The most commonly seen of them is the basilica plan scheme, where apses are closed off by a straight wall from the east, which also reflects the cultural connection with Syria. However, another notable plan scheme, almost exclusively found in the Cilicia Region, features spaces connected to the naves to the east of the main apses. The apsidal spaces to the east of the church are connected to each other by a corridor. The first researchers that studied the region merely described the overall status regarding this peculiar spatial design of Cilicia. However, they failed to suggest a definite function. It is observed that these spaces to the east of the apsis are associated holistically with tombs and/or the cult of saints toward the end of the twentieth century. Having a basilica plan directly associated with the cult of saints thanks to the sacred cave underneath, the Saint Thecla Church draws attention as the strongest basis for this argument. It seems that the spatial setup in the Church's eastern part gave rise to the association of the cult are in the cave with this section. South Church in Yanıkhan represents another strong argument as it certainly hosts a martyrion as seen from the epigraph inscribed onto the lintel above the church's main gate. The domed square unit, which is allegedly situated to the east of the two interconnected apsidal spaces to the east of the church, is characterized directly as a martyrion. However, the architectural data of the two buildings have to be reviewed and the other regional buildings, to which functions are ascribed on the basis these two buildings, have to be discussed. These spaces, often associated with tombs and/or the cult of saints, constitute the main subject of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024