Binbir Church

The Binbir Kilise region in Karaman is a center containing structures from the Early Christian period. It has been determined that the churches, monasteries, and tombs in this area were destroyed in an earthquake at the beginning of the 19th century. Located at the foothills of Karadağ in Karaman, the Binbir Kilise region became the most important religious center of the area during the Eastern Roman period. It was considered one of the three most significant religious destinations for Christian pilgrims traveling from Europe to Jerusalem during Late Antiquity. The region contains churches, monasteries, monumental tombs, and other historical structures. Excavations in the area have revealed pyramid-shaped tomb monuments dedicated to two saints. Engravings from the mid-19th century show the structures in the Binbir Kilise region in good condition, yet photographs from 1905 reveal many buildings had collapsed. It is believed that the structures sustained considerable damage due to an earthquake between 1880 and 1905, indicating that the destruction was caused by natural effects rather than human activity. The largest of the Binbir Kilise structures at the entrance of the village is the first basilica, built in the year 500 and later repaired in the 900s after being destroyed in an Arab invasion. The necropolis (cemetery) area lies on both sides of the road stretching north from the first basilica, and the outer surfaces of some of the sarcophagi here are decorated with reliefs and figures.