
One of the oldest settlements in the area, Çavusin is situated 2km from Göreme, on the Göreme - Avanos road. The Church of St. John the Baptist offers a panoramic view of the village. This church and its paintings date back to the 5th century, making the oldest church in the region.

It had a large courtyard which is unusual for Cappadocia, this has been eroded away however. Christian missionaries and communities once lived in the old Çavusin valley, now in ruins. There are 5 churches at Gulludere, close to Çavusin. The Haçli Church (with the Cross), near the valley, was also used for defence against the Arab raiders.
Çavusin (Nicephorus Phocas) Church:

This barrel vaulted church, with one nave and three apses, is situated 2.5km from Göreme on the Göreme-Avanos road. Its narthex is collapsed. The church was built around 964/965.

Scenes: On the vault are Annunciation, Visitation, Proof of the Virgin, Flight into Egypt, Joseph's Dream II, Blessing and Mission of the Apostles, Adoration of the Magi, Massacre of the Innocents, Pursuit of Elizabeth, Killing of Zacharias; on the west wall are Joseph and Mary After Proving, Journey to Bethlehem, Nativity, Last Supper, Betrayal of Judas, Anastasis, Baptism; on the north wall are Jesus before Pilate, Way of the Cross, Crucifixion, Death of Christ, on the south wall are Entry into Jerusalem, Raising of Lazarus, Healing of the Blind Man, Descent from the Cross, Women at the Tomb; on the wall of the apse Transfiguration; on the north apse Emperor Nicephorus Phocas and his family, which held power and authority in Cappadocia. |