Alahan Monastery attracts tourists with its history

The Alahan Monastery, which was described as "looking like the work of a master" by Evliya Çelebi in his acclaimed book "Seyahatname" (Book of Travels), enchants travelers with its historic building that has been standing for thousands of years, and its scenery, and stands out with its nature and religion tourism alternatives.

Located on a commending steep slope in the Göksu Valley in Mersin's Mut district, the monastery welcomed numerous domestic and international tourists this season following the two years of restoration works initiated by Turkey's Culture and Tourism Ministry. The Alahan Monastery, believed to be built between 440 and 420 A.D., is composed of two churches, one of which has been demolished, monks' rooms carved from the rocks, and burial sites.

The standing church of the monastery has been covered with a protective roof and added wooden walking paths for tourists to be able to tour the church. The architecture of the church is reminiscent of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and comes to the forefront with its stone masonry and ornamentation works. The Alahan Monastery is located on the pilgrimage routes of Christians and was included to the tentative list of UNESCO's World Heritage List.