ABOUT REFECTORIES IN CAPPADOCIA

The Cappadocian region is a World Heritage site since 1985; it has incredible architectures integrated into a magnificent landscape. Even though two centuries have passed since the stories of P. Lucas’ travels (1704-1714), we still don’t have a clear interpretation of the phenomenon of the vastness of the region and its original and particular settlement. Only religious buildings some areas like Göreme, Ihlara, Selime and Soğanlı, have been the focus of scientific studies throughout the twentieth century. However, since 1980, scientists have extended their interests beyond the wealth of religious structures and decorations, and they have intensified and diversified their studies. Nevertheless, we don’t have any unambiguous classification or shared interpretation of some architectural episodes that affect the various centres. Notably, discussion on the refectories is open. In Göreme Valley, the researchers have discovered many refectories with stone seats and tables; furthermore, traces of these furnishings are in many other rooms not documented yet. UR, reorganising the bibliography, has identified thirty-five refectories in addition to the other four, discovered in the territories between the Göreme Valley and the Kılıçlar Valley, the area of interest for “PRIN” 2010 to 2011 (Relevant National Interest Projects), that were documented during the survey campaigns from 2012 to 2014.