TOKALI CHURCH DATE TOKALI CHURCH CAPPADOCIA
This church is the grandest of all churches in Cappadocia, and is actually composed of two churches built at different times. The first one of these is the Eski Tokalı which was built in the beginning of the 10th century and which is covered by a barrel-vault. This church is classified as an “archaic church” because of its paintings that follow one another like a film strip. It’s assumed that its paintings have been done by an artists’ studio which has painted other churches in the region as well. We distinguish prebyzantine, byzantine and eastern influences in the paintings. The hand, arm and body movements of the stylized figures fit in a certain scheme. The distribution of scenes: The southern side of the barrel-vault (at the right of the entrance):
The scenes at the very top: The annunciation, the visit of Elizabeth, the journey to Betlehem, the birth of Christ, and the scene where Jesus turns water to wine.
The middle section: The pursuit of Elizabeth and John the child, themes concerning St. John the Baptist, and the wedding at Canaan.
The scenes below: The last supper, the judgement of Pilatus, and the road to Golgatha (Calvary)
The northern side of the barrel-vault: The three kings worshipping, the massacre of children, the escape to Egypt, and the murder of Zachariah.
The middle section: Jesus turns water to wine, the vocation of the apostles, the increase of bread, the healing of the blind man, and the resurraction of Lazarus.
The scenes below: The crucifixion, Jesus being taken from the crucifix, the burial, the women at the grave, the descent into Hell, and the ascension of Christ.
