Discover the Mystery of the Historical Akmanastir in Konya

Akmanastir, also known as Hagios Chariton or Deyr-i Eflatun (Eflatun Monastery), is located at the foot of Takkeli Mountain, 4 km west of Konya, within the boundaries of a military zone. Today, visitors can see two churches carved into the rocks, a spring, monk cells, various rooms, and a platform.

The monastery is believed to have been founded by Saint Chariton in the late 3rd or early 4th century. Historical records indicate renovations in 1067 and 1289, the latter occurring during the reign of Sultan Mesut. The main church, dated to the 9th or 10th century, shows that Akmanastir developed gradually over time. It has been studied by researchers such as IV. Kyrillos (19th century), W. M. Ramsay and G. Bell (1905), F. W. Hasluck (1911), and S. Eyice (1964).

Research suggests Akmanastir includes a large church dedicated to the Cave of Mary, six or seven chapels, monk cells, and a sacred well, believed to have been revealed by Saint Chariton as a miracle.

By the early 20th century, the site had fallen into disrepair but was still visited by Orthodox Christians during the annual Chariton Feast on September 28. It was also significant to the Muslim population, due to the belief that Hz. Mevlana's son—believed to be Saint Chariton—was miraculously saved from falling off the cliff near the monastery. A rectangular mosque with a simple mihrab was built within the complex, and the çelebi efendi, head of the Mevlevi dervishes, visited it annually.

The main church features a four-columned, closed Greek cross plan. It has three semi-circular apses and is accessed through a door on the southern facade. A cradle vault covers the interior, which is illuminated by two windows on the southern side. The walls are constructed of rough stone, and no traces of frescoes remain.

The second church is a single-nave structure. Its walls show decorations made with red ash paint, and floor traces of graves suggest it may have served as a cemetery church.

Beyond the churches, Akmanastir includes rectangular spaces with oyster-motif niches in the walls, a rough stone ayazma, and a monk’s cell. On the front facade, created by leveling the hill, a large cross relief is carved, featuring smaller crosses in the arms of the main cross and a hammer motif.

Researchers have identified six inscriptions at the site. Two are in the church, two inscribed tombstones are housed in the Konya Archaeological Museum, and the locations of the remaining two, reportedly at a church entrance, are unknown.