Khakhuli Monastery

Khakhuli Monastery is a medieval Georgian structure situated in the Tortum River gorge in Turkey, featuring a main church with two free-standing piers that support a central dome. The building now serves as a mosque, following centuries of religious and cultural change in the region.

The monastery was founded in the 10th century under King David III Kurapalates, during a period of significant Georgian expansion and influence in the region. Its religious function transformed when Ottoman forces arrived and took control of the area.

The southern wall features a window with an eagle design between paired arches, surrounded by a radial pattern made from colored stones. This type of multicolored stone decoration was characteristic of Georgian craftwork from this period.

Access to the monastery is through the Tortum River gorge, where the surrounding landscape is rocky and uneven. Visitors should come prepared with sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing, as the pathways can be steep and challenging.

A precious 12th-century triptych of the Mother of God from this monastery is now housed in the Art Museum of Georgia. The artwork demonstrates the advanced goldsmith techniques that Georgian craftsmen perfected during the medieval period.