Binbirkilise Plateau Walk

The Binbirkilise Plateau Walk is a self-guided exploration of the Karadağ Plateau north of Karaman, centred on one of the densest concentrations of early Byzantine ecclesiastical ruins in Turkey. Binbirkilise — meaning 'Thousand-and-One Churches' in Turkish — refers to the scattered remains of churches, chapels, funerary monuments, and monastic cells built across the basalt lava field of Karadağ between the 4th and 7th centuries CE.

The plateau lies approximately 40 kilometres north of Karaman city in Karaman Province and is reached via the D715 highway toward Konya, turning toward Maden Village and ascending by a rough unsurfaced track. No public transport connects Karaman to the plateau; a private car is required. The final section of track benefits from a high-clearance vehicle in wet conditions.

Walking distance is flexible, ranging from 4 to 8 kilometres depending on how thoroughly the distributed ruin clusters are explored. Elevation change is minimal — the plateau sits at 1,500–1,700 metres and is relatively level. The dominant surface is dark basalt rubble and fine volcanic ash, stable underfoot in dry conditions but slippery after rain. Some ruin clusters require careful scrambling over tumbled masonry.

Archaeological highlights include the remains of several apsed basilicas with standing columns, carved architectural fragments, and Christian funerary inscriptions in situ. The largest church ruin retains sections of its nave wall. Ruins are distributed across the lava field with no formal path between them; navigation between clusters requires prior GPS waypointing or open-ground orientation.

There are no facilities, water sources, toilets, or shade structures on the plateau. Carry a minimum of 2 litres of water per person. The plateau is fully exposed to sun and persistent winds. Cell coverage is limited; informing someone of the planned route before departure is advisable.