Byzantine Rock-Cut Architecture in Cappadocia and Beyond: The State of Scholarship

Rock-cut architecture, long overlooked in Byzantine studies, is now recognized as a primary means for Byzantine society to engage with and transform its environment. This critical review synthesizes current scholarship on rock-cut sites in Cappadocia, highlighting their excellent preservation and potential to enrich research on spatial practices, economic activities, and daily life. The study emphasizes the interplay between rock-cut and masonry traditions, exploring practical motivations and sacred associations behind their use. It also identifies methodological challenges and future directions, advocating for a nuanced understanding of Byzantine landscapes through appropriate theoretical frameworks.

Günay, G. (2024). Byzantine Rock-Cut Architecture in Cappadocia and Beyond: The State of Scholarship. Valonia: A Journal of Anatolian Pasts, 1(1), 35–63. https://doi.org/10.5505/valonia.2024.43531