Ancient Subterranean Metropolis in Konya Expands to 215,000 Square Feet
Archaeologists have revealed that the Sarayini underground complex in Türkiye's Konya region now spans roughly 215,000 square feet, with 30 interconnected chambers, corridors, and workspaces. Built in the eighth century by local Christians for protection, the site includes a working wine press, chimneys, wells, and a passageway dubbed a "main street." Excavations continue to uncover more of this vast, historically significant network.
The Sarayini complex, whose name translates to "palace cave," was carved into bedrock beneath Konya's Sarayönü district. Excavation began in earnest only two years ago, with archaeologists initially unprepared for the scale. The site includes chambers with arched ceilings, stables large enough for livestock, and small rock-carved chapels, suggesting a fully functioning community rather than a temporary refuge.
A marble wine press with grape seeds preserved at the site, along with grooved channels for juice collection, indicates sophisticated food production. The complex's "main street" passageway and palace-like rooms reflect a commitment to quality of life. Türkiye contains dozens of similar underground cities, but Sarayini ranks among the largest and most advanced discovered so far.
The ongoing excavation of Sarayini could reshape public understanding of early Christian communities in Anatolia, offering a more nuanced picture of how persecuted groups maintained cultural practices and daily routines. The site's scale may attract increased tourism to the Konya region, potentially boosting local economies while raising preservation concerns. As archaeologists continue mapping the network, its findings could influence how historians interpret similar subterranean settlements across Türkiye, though broader scholarly impact will depend on further research and publication.