Turkey, Sivas, Cappadocia, Cavusin – Nikephoros Phokas church (00:05:52)

Çavuşin Church is a Byzantine church located in Çavuşin village in Nevşehir Province, Turkey. It was built in the name of emperor Nicephorus II Phocas in 965 AD. The church is carved into the rock with two floors. There are monks’ rooms on the lower floor. The natural staircase leading to the church on the upper floor has collapsed. Today, it is possible to reach the church thanks to the iron staircase made later. The narthex of the church, which has a very high nave, barrel vault and three apses, has collapsed. Archangel depictions can be seen on the narthex. The church was built in 964/965 after the visit of the Eastern Roman Emperor Nicephorus Phocas to Cappadocia. Emperor Nicephorus Phocas, his wife Teofano and other family members are also depicted in the church.