Micro‐Raman And Micro‐Stratigraphic Analysis Of The Painting Materials In The Rock‐Hewn Church Of The Forty Martyrs In Şahinefendi, Cappadocia (Turkey)

A micro-Raman and micro-stratigraphic analysis of the rock-hewn church of the Forty Martyrs in Şahinefendi, Cappadocia (Turkey), revealed unique insights into medieval painting techniques. The study identified a white or pinkish plaster base, with calcite, gypsum, anhydrite, and calcium oxalate detected through spectroscopic methods. Scanning electron microscopy further uncovered minor variations, such as diatoms in certain layers and biotite, lime lumps, and plant fragments in others. Notably, the analysis detected lead-based compounds and jarosite alongside traditional pigments, providing rare evidence of material composition and degradation processes in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pelosi, C., Agresti, G., Andaloro, M., Baraldi, P., Pogliani, P., Santamaria, U., La Russa, M. F., Ruffolo, S. A., & Rovella, N. (2015). Micro‐Raman And Micro‐Stratigraphic Analysis Of The Painting Materials In The Rock‐Hewn Church Of The Forty Martyrs In Şahinefendi, Cappadocia (Turkey). Archaeometry, 58(4), 659–672. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/arcm.12184