Archaeologists working in central Turkey have uncovered at least 15 previously unknown Christian churches and chapels in the historic Binbirkilise region, significantly reshaping understanding of the area’s importance during the Byzantine era.

The discoveries were made in the mountainous Karadağ volcanic massif, north of the city of Karaman, during ongoing fieldwork led by Turkish archaeologist Ilker Mete Mimiroglu. According to researchers, the findings suggest that the region was far more densely populated and religiously active than previously believed.

Binbirkilise, which translates as “Thousand and One Churches,” has been known to scholars since the early 20th century. The name is symbolic rather than literal, referring to the large number of religious structures scattered across the area. The site contains ruins of churches, monasteries, and settlements dating from the 3rd to 8th centuries.

The newly identified structures do not form a single complex but instead appear to be part of a wider network of settlements with an advanced religious infrastructure. Alongside churches and chapels, archaeologists have documented water cisterns, burial sites, inscriptions, and remains of residential buildings.

Particular attention has been drawn to cave dwellings believed to have been used by hermits. Some of these caves bear carved crosses and signs of modification, indicating the presence of ascetic monastic practices alongside communal worship.

Researchers say the evidence points to Binbirkilise functioning as a major pilgrimage center during the Byzantine period, attracting worshippers from across Anatolia who were drawn to its monastic communities and sacred sites.

In addition to early Christian remains, archaeologists also discovered artifacts from later periods, including a coin from the Seljuk era. This suggests that settlement in the region did not end with the decline of Byzantium but continued into the medieval Islamic period.

Experts say further excavation and analysis will help clarify the layout of the settlements, refine dating of the structures, and decode newly found inscriptions. They believe the Binbirkilise region may have been one of the largest early Christian religious hubs in Asia Minor, a significance that has long been underestimated.