Exploring the ancient rock-carved dwellings and Seljuk architecture of 1967 Turkey

Turkey 1967 Reel 35 of 52 · 18:13 · Video: Penn Museum · Watch at the source

In short: This archival footage captures a 1967 expedition through Turkey, documenting traditional stone masonry, Seljuk tombs, and the remarkable dwellings carved directly into volcanic cliffs. It offers a rare, ground-level look at historical architecture and rural life in the Kırşehir and Ürgüp regions.

Filmed over June 4-5, 1967, this reel documents a variety of architectural styles, from the flat clay roofs and stone houses of Kırşehir to the intricate carvings on Seljuk tombs. The footage highlights the ingenuity of local construction, including homes built with mud, sod, and brush, as well as structures carved directly into volcanic cones.

The expedition also recorded unique cultural sites, such as the Church of the Apple, which features ancient paintings of Christ, and rock-carved warehouses used for lemon storage. The film provides a visual record of historical landmarks like the Roman Kesik Kop bridge and the cliff-side church of San Juan, showcasing the intersection of Roman, Seljuk, and Byzantine influences in the region.

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