Abstract:

In this study, the wall paintings in the apse triumphal arch of the Kızıl Çukur valley and Üzümlü Church were examined in many aspects. The church is located in Kızıl Çukur, the valley between Ortahisar and Ürgüp. The Valley can be reached from Ürgüp by descending approximately 300 meters from the high elevation. The church is part of the monastery establishment. It has a special place in Byzantine painting with the "Christ on the Cross" scene located in the apse triumphal arch of the church. The article focuses on the architectural features of the building, as well as the depictions on the apse triumphal arch. There are five figures on the stage: Jesus, Mary, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and St. Simon. In the study, detailed descriptions of the figures were made, their positions were determined on the painting surface, and the inscriptions on the stage were conveyed. The white handkerchief held by the Virgin Mary figure in the scene is emphasized as an important iconographic detail. The scene is dated by researchers to the "Archaic" period due to its iconography and stylistic features. The scene is iconographically different from other scenes in the region.

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