Home to '1,001 churches' Karaman, Turkiye looks to become tourist hotspot

By Mehmet Cetin

KARAMAN, Turkiye (AA) - Promoting its centuries-old archaeological sites, Turkiye's southern province of Karaman hopes to become one of this season's tourist hotspots.

The region, with numerous churches and monasteries in its northern Binbirkilise area, which comprises of the Madensehri, Degle, and Uckuyu villages, was once the center of the Christian diocese in late antiquity.

Even today, Christian pilgrims often visit Binbirkilise, which literally means 1,001 churches in Turkish language, and it was one of the three most important centers of its time.

Rich in religious heritage and sacred places, visitors can experience the tranquility of the dozens of churches, monasteries, and tombs built between the fourth and ninth centuries.

The local head of Madensehri village, Durmus Ali Demir said that in the winter, the snow-covered area resembled a natural photo studio as photography enthusiasts come to witness these landmarks. Madensehri alone is home to 48 major churches.

Emirhan Sezen, who came to the village to take pictures, said: "This is a unique place with its natural and cultural fabric. I came and toured here in the summer and heard it was especially beautiful in the winter. So, I came here to see. It's a beautiful place in the summer and winter."