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Tucked away in the rugged highlands of Ankara’s Kizilcahamam district, the Alicin Monastery is gaining attention for its Sumela-like appearance and mysterious past. Located just 90 kilometers (55.92 miles) from the capital, this cliffside structure is believed to predate even Sumela, making it a potential treasure trove for historians and archaeologists alike.
Though the monastery's origins remain unknown, it is often referred to as "Ankara's Sumela." Perched above the Alicin Stream, it owes its name to a legendary bandit leader named Ali, who is said to have sought refuge in the area following the Celali rebellions of the Ottoman era.
According to historian Abdulkerim Erdogan, the site likely served as a place of worship for Byzantine (East Roman) Christian monks. Despite its current state, where only remnants of its defensive walls remain, experts agree it functioned as a spiritual retreat rather than a residential monastery. "There are no internal rooms left, just ruins where priests once prayed," Erdogan noted.
Erdogan stressed that the site's monastery status is widely accepted among art historians. “Its difficult access and mountainside location contribute to its similarity with Sumela,” he explained. “Though I haven’t personally entered it, research and aerial footage confirm it was a monastery. There is no doubt among experts.”
Having researched over a thousand villages across Türkiye, Erdogan advocates for greater preservation efforts. “I never publish anything I haven’t seen myself. Even abandoned or ruined villages hold historical value,” he said. He added that many of these forgotten sites around Ankara deserve to be included in the country’s cultural tourism map.
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