Writer: Yavuz İşçen
May 2010

The lava and ashes, which were produced by Mount Erciyes, Mount Melendiz and Mount Hasan, became the sculptors of Cappadocia by leaving a thick layer of tuff prepared the geological formation of the region. For a long time we have the idea of making environmental researches and climbing these mountains, gave life to Cappadocia region. By Mount Hasan, we had the first step for our plan.

Helvadere and Mokisos Ancient City
Rising suddenly on the huge plateaus of Anatolia, Mount Hasan is very impressive with its smooth conic appearance indeed. There are many ways to climb the Mountain, which is located on the southeast of Aksaray. The climb of Mount Hasan is non-technica and requires basic equipment. It is possible to climb the peak of the mountain for the day. The most frequently used route is the east route. Known as Çarşak, this route directly brings you to the top.
In order to climb the mountain from the east route, you have to go to Helvadere village from Aksaray. The remains of Mokisos ancient city, an important site from Roman and Byzantine period, are located 1 km south of Helvadere borough.
Mokisos Ancient City: It is assume that during the Roman period Mokisos was established in the area where today Yenipınar village is located. According to Prokopios, the historian, it was moved to its recent place by Justinianus I, the Byzantine Emperor, and re-established here. After surface examinations, it is understood that the area where the city was established, used to be a Roman necropolis (grave yard). Halis Yenipınar, the director of Nevşehir Museum, indicated that they have marked out 48 Roman graves in Mokisos. It is also appeared that Mokisos ancient city, which spread to wide area, was alive between 6th and 8th centuries and then it was abandoned due to Arab invasions. Beside the Roman graves, the city walls, built up in cyclopes style, thousand of stone houses and a palace style building, which is thought to be belong to city commander, cisterns and churches are very attractive in Mokisos, the city which reflects the pre Byzantine period characteristics. Today there are two churches in Mokisos which partly exist. These are Kemerli and Kara Churches.
Kemerli Church: Before the commutation, each year the Greeks of Helvadere were celebrating Easters and feasts in this church. Since today two of the arches of the church are still alive, it is called Kemerli (Arched) Church. The Church was constructed by cutoff stones with cross shape plan in 6th century. The cisterns in front of the church are attractive.
Kara Church: The second church within the territory of Mokisos is Kara Church whose walls mostly exist. It is assumed that Kara Church was built during 6th century by cutoff stones and with single nave style.

Climbing from Süt Church Camping Area
In order to climb to Mount Hasan from Helvadere borough, it is necessary to go to Yayla Restaurant. The restaurant, located in the south of borough, was constructed as Mountain House Social Premises but later on it turned into a private enterprise by changing the name. Helvadere borough is connected to Yayla Restaurant by a 5 km length asphalt road. The plane area 150 m far away from the restaurant is being used for camping. This area is known as Sut Church Camping Area. The altitude of the camping area is 1850 m. In this area there are ruins of a church known as Süt Church, from Byzantine period. 
Süt Church: It is anticipated that the church, which is very squalid today, was constructed during 5th or 6 th centuries. It was built by cutoff stones and with a cross shape plane.

Mount Hasan climbing
The north or east route from Süt Church camping area can be used for the climbing. Whether you use the north or the east route, you will arrive the 3200 mts ridge of the mountain. You will see the peak point there, marked with stones. The tomb of Saint Hasan exists on this ridge. You can see the crater hole completely when you reach the ridgeline. It is known that this hole was full of with water in ancient times. The main peak of the mountain exists 68 mts above on the facing rocky part. On the peak, there is a diary that belongs to Turkish Mountain Federation. It takes nearly four hours to climb the peak from the campsite. There is a campsite with four or five tents capacity near the peak. The same route is used for the return. When you reach the peak, if the coast is clear, it is possible to see Mount Erciyes, Mount Melendiz, Aladağlar and Bolkar Mountains. 

The tomb of Saint Hasan
Saint Hasan, who gave his name to the mount, is known as a respectable person that lived in this mountain. Some people claim that he was one of the commanders of Danişmentoğulları and participated various battles in the Crusades with II. Kılıçarslan. Some people see him as a saint. Today, if you climb the peak of the Mount, you can see tne tomb of Saint Hasan on the west side of the crater hole. Near this tomb, there exist a few tombs, too. However there is no certain information about the others.

Climbing from Karbeyaz Hotel Camping area
The other option to climb to the mountain is using the camping area of Karbeyaz Hotel which was opened in 2006. The area of Karbeyaz Hotel is also known as Mount Hasan Ski Center. From Helvadere borough following the road to Yayla Restaurant will be brining you Karbeyaz Hotel distinction after 2 kms. The Hotel is 6 km far away from the distinction. The road is asphalt until the Hotel. The wide area just above the Hotel can be used as a camping area. This area is being used by transhumant during summer. The plateau is known as Yardıbaş and although the route for climbing is precipitous but it is shorter. This route reaches the peek from northeast and is know as Yılankar route. On the right side of the Hotel, a bit down Yardıbaş Church ruins can be found.
Yardıbaş Church: The ruins can be reached from the Hotel on foot for 10 minutes. It is anticipated that the Church was constructed during 5th or 6th centuries by cutoff stones with cross shape plan. One of the walls of the church is standing.

Note: This article has been published in Peribacası Cappadocia Culture and Publicity Magazine, May 2010 issue. It is under protection of the copyrights of the magazine. No part of this article may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by electronic, mechanical or other means without prior permission from the owner. www.cappadociaexplorer.com