Church in Soganli valley

 These frescoes are some what well preserved. One can still make out the details which is so delightful. This depicts the Holy family.

 It combines patterns and figurative frescoes.

 Notice the garb on these figures, very unusual. They are saints, that much we know because they have halos around their heads.

 The birth of Jesus, a mid wife is bathing the baby and Joseph is still in the corner wondering, 'how the h... did that happened?'

 For some reason the halo around Jesus is different, maybe to differentiate Him and set Him apart.

 The Cappadocian fathers?

This is a very beautiful dome

I am guessing these were painted in the seventh century and the eyes were all gouged out during the eighth century during the iconoclast period. Notice none of them have eyes. They are still in pretty good condition probably because the Soganli valley is so remote even till today and modern vandalism has not touched it yet. Notice there are no modern graffiti like those that are closer to the population centers of the area. I have noticed that the people who go on to explore the world of antiquities and write great books are mainly History majors. There is this sense of curiosity and this quest for the truth that seem to sensitize them and excite them and therefore they do great things. I've always been a History buff ever since I was 13 years old. I still wonder why I never did anything with my love of History. I guess being Chinese studying History full time is not acceptable, we need to be doctors, dentists or pharmacists. History is a hobby, not a bread and butter issue.