Determination of Deterioratıon Types Developed in Rock Carved Koimesis Tes Panagias Church

Abstract

Sille has hosted many civilizations from the Neolithic Age to the present. It is a region where people of different beliefs lived together until recently. The richness of belief in this region, where Muslims and Christians live together, is also reflected in cultural heritages. Among the religious architectural structures in the region, there are rock carved monasteries, churches, masjids, and mosques. Among these structures, the church carved into the rock has the feature of being a unique monument in the region with its plan scheme, architectural elements, and frescoes. Although the low strength properties of the rock in which the monument was carved were advantageous during the construction process of the church, the harsh continental climate conditions in the region caused the monument to exhibit sensitive behavior in the deterioration processes until today. This unique monument is in danger of being destroyed today as a result of the developing deterioration. Transferring this heritage to future generations will be difficult if the essential immediate precautions are not taken.