Ak Monastery in Konya

Konya is home to a rich array of historical artifacts that span ancient times, and among its treasures is the Ak Monastery, a significant Byzantine-era site. Known also as Hagios Chariton or the Eflatun Monastery, it is situated at the base of Mount Takkeli, roughly 4 km west of Konya, within a restricted military zone.

The monastery features two rock-hewn churches, a holy spring, monk cells, various chambers, and a podium. One of its most intriguing aspects is a sacred well believed to be a miraculous creation emerging from below ground. This well, along with other elements of the monastery, underscores its historical and spiritual significance.

Saint Chariton, who lived in the late 3rd to early 4th centuries, is credited with founding the monastery. Renovations were carried out in 1067 and 1289, with the latter occurring under Sultan Mesut. The main church's dating to the 9th or 10th century reflects the monastery's development over time. Researchers have identified a large church dedicated to the Cave of Mary, six or seven chapels, monk cells, and the sacred well, where Saint Chariton is believed to have performed a miraculous act.

At the turn of the 20th century, travelers described the monastery as being in ruins. Despite this, it remains a site of pilgrimage, with Orthodox Christians visiting during the Khariton Festival on September 28th. The monastery also holds significance for Muslims due to a local belief that a miraculous event occurred involving Saint Chariton, the son of Hz. Mevlâna (Rumi), who is said to have been saved from a fall from a nearby cliff.

Inside the monastery, a simple mosque with a rectangular plan and a plain mihrab (prayer niche) was constructed and annually visited by the head of the Mevlevi dervishes, the Çelebi Efendi. The main church, featuring a four-pillared Greek cross plan, is accessed through a door on the southern facade and is adorned with three semicircular apses. Covered by a barrel vault and lit by two windows on the southern side, the church is characterized by rough stone craftsmanship, with no surviving frescoes.

The monastery's front facade, smoothed from rock, displays a large cross relief with a hammered motif and small crosses on its arms. Researchers have uncovered six inscriptions within the monastery. Currently, two inscriptions are housed inside the church, and a tombstone with two inscriptions is on display at the Konya Archaeology Museum. The location of two other inscriptions, previously said to be at the entrance of a church, remains unknown.