The Historical and Archaeological Significance of Ağırnas Underground City
Ağırnas, a neighbourhood within the municipality and district of Melikgazi, Kayseri Province, Turkey, holds a significant place in the historical and archaeological landscape of the region. With a population of 2,554 as of 2022, this area, located 24 km from central Kayseri, is not only the birthplace of Mimar Sinan, the renowned architect of Suleiman the Magnificent, but also a site rich in historic buildings and underground structures.
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The Birthplace of Mimar Sinan
Ağırnas is celebrated as the birthplace of Mimar Sinan, a pivotal figure in Ottoman architectural history. The town boasts several historic buildings, including a recently restored house associated with Sinan himself, highlighting the area’s architectural heritage and its connection to this illustrious figure.
The Underground City
The underground city of Ağırnas, while not fully explored, extends significantly below the ground, sharing characteristics with neighboring underground localities such as Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı Underground City. This subterranean network includes caves, vaults, and passages, featuring chapels, dining rooms, cells, and potentially dungeons and torture rooms. Currently, parts of this underground city are accessible to the public, with the cellar of Sinan’s house serving as a starting point for exploration.
Historical Context and Creation
The creation of the underground cities in the region, including Ağırnas, is attributed to the unique topography shaped by local volcanic activity. The thick layer of ash deposited by eruptions provided a soft, rock-like material that ancient inhabitants carved into tunnels, rooms, and various structures for residential, storage, religious, and protective purposes. These subterranean cities offered refuge and protection, particularly for Christians hiding from Roman persecution.
Structure and Features
The underground city of Ağırnas is a complex network of tunnels and rooms, each with a specific purpose. Features include kitchens with ovens for bread-making, dining rooms with sculpted seating and tables, and animal quarters with provisions for securing and feeding livestock. The size of the rooms varied, with larger rooms being colder and smaller ones providing warmth during cold weather.
Demographic and Economic History
Historical records indicate that Ağırnas was a significant village, with a predominantly Greek population comprising 53 Christian households and 3 Muslim households. The village had economic activities such as linseed oil production, evidenced by the presence of 4 bezirhane, and operated 2 mills. The tax burden on the village was recorded as 18 thousand akce, reflecting its economic significance in the Ottoman Empire.
Conclusion
Ağırnas Underground City, with its rich historical, architectural, and archaeological significance, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Its connection to Mimar Sinan, the extensive underground network, and the historical insights into its inhabitants and economic activities make it a valuable site for both academic research and public interest. As exploration and excavation efforts continue, the full extent and secrets of Ağırnas Underground City await to be uncovered, promising to shed further light on the complex history of this remarkable region.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Julia Something
Invest Kayseri
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