# Monastery

Ankara's mysterious monastery

Alicin Jeositi Monastery, located in Ankara's Kızılcahamam district, has been intact for years. The monastery, which draws attention with its resemblance to the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, preserves its mystery as there is not much information about it. Yüksel Can (65), a resident of Çeltikçi town, said, “As far as we heard from our ancient grandfathers and uncles, Romans lived there. We do not know the ancient history of the monastery very well. As we heard from our grandfathers, we know that Alicin Creek is a very beautiful recreation area. The whole city comes here at the weekend to take images and photographs of the Alicin Monastery. It is said by our ancient grandfathers that there were 360 rooms inside the monastery. I do not know its history, but from what we have heard, it is said to belong to the Romans. When asked about the monastery, the villagers cannot say anything, they look confused. Our ancient ancestors might know, but they also passed away." “We feel bad about not knowing about the monastery” Ali Can (58), one of the village residents, who stated that the Alicin Monastery is known as a treasure and picnic area, said, “The villagers do not attach much importance to the monastery and ignore it. It is also very dark for us, when they ask us about the monastery, we cannot even give information to people, even though we are locals of the village. We feel bad for not knowing about the monastery. I want the monastery to be brought into tourism and the necessary works to be done so that the citizens who come to picnic do not leave their garbage in the nature."