Mokissos

Mokissos is an ancient city in Cappadocia where ruins spread across a large area, showing both residential buildings and religious structures made from basalt stone. The streets and neighborhoods remain visible, giving a sense of how the community once organized its daily life.

The city began in early antiquity, but gained major importance when Byzantine Emperor Justinian rebuilt and expanded it during the 6th century, making it a provincial capital. This period brought significant construction and reinforced its role in the region.

The site reveals layers of worship through its structures: burial grounds were repurposed into prayer spaces, and the different building styles show how religious practice shifted over time. Walking through, you notice how the same stone foundations served very different purposes across the centuries.

The site is easily reached from Ihlara Valley and has signage and marked pathways to guide visitors around the extensive ruins. You can explore different sections at your own pace and find clear routes through the ancient streets.

Around a thousand homes were built directly from basalt stones that occurred naturally in the area, giving the settlement its distinctive look. This building method was practical and allowed houses to fit the rocky terrain easily.