THE HOLES OF THE CELLS (Dervish Cells)

Located west of the Çemişgezek district center, in the steep limestone cliffs extending upwards in the Tahar Stream Valley, are approximately 20 rooms carved into the rock formations used for residential purposes. It is unknown who built these caves. They consist of rooms arranged in three levels, illuminated by large windows, and long corridors. The rooms are approximately 2.5 meters wide and 1.7 meters deep. Additionally, cisterns collecting water seeping from between the rocks, and rock cut staircases and galleries leading to the upper rooms are present. The caves are divided into two sections. The first section is accessed by an external staircase. The second section is very narrow, with a waiting area at its entrance. After the waiting area, a long corridor is reached by stairs. Windows for light are located on the right side of the corridor, and room doors are directly opposite the windows. Some of these rooms have flat ceilings, while others have vaulted ceilings. The uppermost room, which is more difficult to access and relatively larger than the others, is called the "Bey's Room" (Lord's Room).