Meya Caves are an ancient rock-carved settlement near Günbuldu Village in Ağrı's Diyadin district, featuring dwelling rooms, temple, and mihrab remnants, making them one of Eastern Anatolia's lesser-known rock settlements.
Meya Caves are located on a rocky terrain 400 meters outside Günbuldu Village, which is part of Diyadin district in Ağrı. Since the old name of the village was Meya, the caves are known as both Meya and Günbuldu Caves. It would be accurate to call this an ancient city: dwelling rooms carved into the rocks, along with temple and worship place remnants, stand together.
Traces of different beliefs are the most striking aspect of the caves. Mihrab remnants and cross-inscribed stones are found in the same settlement, indicating that more than one community used this place over time. From the city, mihrabs, cross-inscribed stones, and tombs have survived to the present day. Two ram statues excavated from here are currently exhibited in Ağrı city center. The settlement was built by carving the soft rock structure into steep cliffs 100-150 meters above the plain floor.
The remnants are quite damaged; do not expect a restored museum concept. But precisely this raw state has led the region to sometimes be referred to as the Cappadocia of Eastern Anatolia. It is also reported that the surrounding fairy chimneys take on a different appearance under the snow in winter months.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
Since Meya Caves are an open-air site, seasonal conditions directly affect the visit. Walking on both the road and the rocky terrain is more comfortable in spring and summer. In winter, after snowfall, the surrounding fairy chimneys take on a different appearance, but access to the village can become difficult during this period. Autumn months can also be preferred for a quiet visit.
How to Get There
It is necessary to reach Diyadin district from Ağrı city center by road. You cover the 12-kilometer road from Diyadin to Günbuldu Village by vehicle. From the village to the caves, you walk about 400 meters. Public transport options are limited, so going by your own car or a rental car from Diyadin is the most practical method.
How Much Time to Allocate
1-1.5 hours is sufficient to explore the caves and surrounding ruins. It makes sense to combine it with other points in Diyadin and plan a half-day trip. It does not fill a full day on its own.
Suggested Itinerary
Starting from Ağrı city center, first seeing Diyadin district center, then moving to Günbuldu Village and visiting Meya Caves is a logical sequence. On the way back, other historical ruins in Diyadin can also be visited. Adding distant points like Mount Ağrı National Park to the same day would be tiring; it's more comfortable to plan a separate day.
Things to Consider
The ruins are quite damaged; do not expect a restored, organized museum area. Wear sturdy shoes due to the rocky ground and sloping paths. The area is suitable for families with children, but it is not possible to visit with a wheelchair or stroller, as the terrain is not suitable.
Photo Spots
Rock-carved room and tunnel entrances, the section where the mihrab remnant is located, and the general view of the village are prominent photo spots. In winter, the appearance of the surrounding fairy chimneys under the snow also attracts attention. Midday light shows the details on the rock surface more clearly.
Historical Background
Meya is known as the old name of the village, and the caves are referred to by both Meya and Günbuldu names. Traces from different periods stand together in the settlement: mihrab remnants point to the Islamic period, while cross-inscribed stones indicate an earlier Christian presence. Two ram statues excavated from the city are currently exhibited in Ağrı city center, which shows the region's connection to pre-Turkic-Islamic burial traditions.
This content originates from neresigezilir.com.tr and may not be copied without permission.
Meya Caves Videos
Meya Caves videos load when you open this section to keep the page fast.
Show videos
FAQ
Updated:
