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Abstract
Ayvali Church at Glldere Valley in Nevehir, Turkey, is one of the structures that exemplify monastic life in Cappadocia. Carved into an isolated rock formation, the space is divided into two levels, with two chambers in the lower level and one second-story room. An opening in the floor of the upper room connects to the first floors north chamber. The lower level is extensively adorned with frescoes, the second phase (913-920) of which was commissioned by Ioannes (John), whereas the upper room shows no signs of painted decoration. A close examination of the wall paintings reveals that while the south chamber was used by the monk for personal prayer, the north chamber functioned as a funerary place. The architecture and the iconographic program of the wall paintings suggest that the structure functioned as a hermitage rather than a church.