Byzantine Architecture in the Lower City of Perge

Authors : Ayça Tiryaki, Özgü Çömezoğlu Uzbek

Pages : 683-720

Doi:10.26650/artsanat.2024.21.1312941

View : 133 | Download : 196

Publication Date : 2024-01-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study focuses on the Byzantine buildings located in the Lower City of Perge. One of the significant structures in the city is the South Church (Basilica A), which is a three-aisled basilica with a transept and gallery, dating back to the early 5th century. Another notable church in the city, capturing attention with its large dimensions, is the North Church (Basilica B). This basilica, with its five aisles and transept, is accompanied by an atrium to the west and a narthex. Due to its size, it is believed that this structure could have served as the city’s cathedral, dating to the 5th and 6th centuries. Located on the east-west oriented street of the city, the East Church (Basilica C) has managed to preserve its narthex to the west and its five-sided apse to the east. This remarkable structure, with its extraordinary length, is also among the early Byzantine churches in the city. On the north-south oriented street, a church with an inscribed cross plan (known as the Small Church) was constructed and can be dated to the 10th century. Inside the Palaestra to the west of the city, a structure with a tetraconch plan was erected. Similar to its counterparts, this edifice, believed to have been used for religious purposes, can be dated back to the latter half of the 5th century and the 6th century. The urban layout of the Lower City remained intact until the 7th century, at which point there was a decline in activity in the city. Subsequently, during the Middle Byzantine period, most likely around the 10th century, there is evidence of a limited reoccupation and settlement in the city.
Keywords : Perge, Pamphylia, Bizans, Tetrakonkhos, Bazilika