In the village of Keşlik, Tokat, a cave carved into a mountainside, its construction date unknown, has caught the locals’ attention. Residents refer to it as a church and claim it contains rooms, but the exact origin remains a mystery. Sadly, the cave has fallen prey to treasure hunters, prompting the villagers to seek protection for its rooms.
Asım Kaya, a village resident, highlighted the cave’s unclear origins, stating, “I’ve known this place as a church since childhood. Even my late grandfather, who lived until 94, remembered it from his childhood. No one knows its exact age.” He lamented the damage caused by treasure hunters, leaving the place riddled with holes, and called for research to uncover its history and open it to tourists.
Ömer Alan, another villager, shared the little information passed down, mentioning that elders referred to it as a monk’s dwelling. He expressed the community’s wish for research, envisioning a potential tourist attraction if properly explored and illuminated. Alan described the captivating views inside but expressed concern over the blocked access preventing exploration.
Mustafa Kurtulan – Sedat Özata
Mustafa Kurtulan – Sedat Özata