The Mystical Ak Monastery in Konya

Konya hosts the Ak Monastery, a remarkable Byzantine-era structure also known as Hagios Chariton or Eflatun Monastery. Located at the base of Mount Takkeli, about 4 km west of the city, the monastery features two rock-carved churches, a holy spring, a monk's cell, and a podium. Notably, a sacred well on the premises is believed to be a miraculous formation emerging from below the earth.

Known also as Hagios Chariton or Eflatun Monastery, it is situated at the base of Mount Takkeli, roughly 4 km west of Konya, within a military zone. Today, visitors can observe two rock-carved churches, a holy spring, a monk's cell, various chambers, and a podium within the monastery.

The monastery is thought to have been established by Saint Chariton, who lived in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. It underwent renovations in 1067 and 1289, as confirmed by two inscriptions. The second restoration occurred during the reign of Sultan Mesut. The dating of the primary church to the 9th or 10th century highlights the monastery's development throughout the ages. Researchers suggest that the monastery houses a large church dedicated to the Cave of Mary, alongside six or seven chapels, monk cells, and a sacred well where Saint Chariton is believed to have performed a miraculous act underground.

Various travelers noted that the monastery was in ruins at the beginning of the 20th century. They also reported that Orthodox Christians visit during the annual Khariton Festival, celebrated on September 28. The site is also of importance to the Muslim community. It is believed that a miraculous event took place when a figure, thought to be Saint Chariton and the son of Hz. Mevlâna (Rumi), was saved in a wondrous manner after falling from the cliff near the monastery.

Within the monastery, a modest mosque with a rectangular design and a simple mihrab was constructed. This mosque was visited annually by the head of the Mevlevi dervishes, known as Çelebi Efendi. The main church of the monastery features a four-pillar, enclosed Greek cross plan, accessible through a door on the southern facade, and includes three semicircular apses. Covered by a barrel vault, the church is illuminated by two windows on the southern side. Despite the rough stone craftsmanship, no evidence of frescoes has been found within the church.

The monastery's front facade, shaped by smoothing the rock, showcases a large relief of a cross adorned with a hammered motif, along with smaller crosses in its arms. Researchers have identified six inscriptions within the monastery. Currently, two inscribed pieces are displayed inside the church, while a tombstone with two inscriptions is housed in the Konya Archaeology Museum. The locations of the two inscriptions reportedly found at the church entrance remain undetermined.