A 600-Year-Old Prayer Room Found Hidden Under a Firewood Storage in Cappadocia

What appeared to be a simple firewood storage area in the village of Taşkınpaşa, Cappadocia, central Türkiye, has revealed a centuries-old Islamic prayer room. Experts date the rock-cut site to approximately 600 years ago, possibly from the Eretnaid period.

During a surface survey conducted by art historians from Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University (NEVÜ), a team uncovered this hidden religious site beneath what was being used as a firewood shed. The village of Taşkınpaşa is already known for its 16th-century Ottoman-era madrasa and mosque, but this newly found structure had remained undocumented until now.

Inside the cave-like space, researchers discovered a finely carved stone mihrab—a key feature in Islamic architecture that marks the direction of prayer.

No Previous Documentation: A Lost Piece of Anatolian History

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Savaş Maraşlı, leading the research, confirmed that the structure had no prior mention in academic records:

“This is an exceptional find, as the site has been hidden and unused for centuries. Its survival is likely due to it being concealed and repurposed as a firewood storage.”

The space shows signs of domestic use as well, suggesting it may have served multiple purposes beyond prayer. The architectural style and decoration are consistent with Anatolian beyliks-period craftsmanship, following the Seljuk era.

Cleaning Reveals a Sacred Past

Local resident Mehmet Ersen, 63, recalled hearing stories in his youth about the space possibly being a mosque, but no formal study was ever conducted until now.

Thanks to the cooperation of Mr. Ersen and support from the Ürgüp Museum Directorate, researchers were able to clean and document the site. The presence of the mihrab indicates the area was used for ritual prayer, although its exact historical function is still being studied.

A Testament to Rural Anatolian Religious Architecture

The intricate stonework and decorative elements reveal local Islamic architectural traditions preserved in rural Cappadocia. Researchers hope the discovery will deepen understanding of Anatolia’s lesser-known religious heritage.

This rare find adds valuable insight into the cultural and spiritual life of central Türkiye’s historic regions.