Ravine cells
From Irad Wiki, the free encyclopedia
The ravine cells (Iradi: ırda kepeleri, "the cells of the hidden prayer") are rock-cut hermitages in the limestone gorges of the Talas Alatau and the Chatkal. Some are medieval, used by Christians who worshipped in secret after the campaigns of Timur; others sheltered monks and priests hiding from the NKVD in the 1930s (see The 1937 NKVD Clerical Purges).[1]
About forty cells are known. A few are stopping places for pilgrims on their way to the Feast of St. Janyl, and the Heritage Protection Service lists twelve. The best-known cell still in use is that of the hermit Yawsep Orozbai uulu above the Kara-Suu Canyon.[1][2]
References
- ^ Talas State University Press (2019). The Iradi Church from the Qara Khitai to Kokand: Sources and Problems. Talas.
- ^ Archeparchy of Iyık Janyl (2023). Annuario: Clergy, Parishes and Institutions. Iyık Janyl.
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