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Sumela Monastery: History, Legends, and Restoration
Sumela Monastery, a breathtaking cliffside monastery in Turkey, boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and recently discovered frescoes. It is a UNESCO tentative World Heritage site.
Arabic
United States
Middle EastTurkeyHistoryRestorationMonasteryFrescoes
UnescoTurkish Ministry Of Culture And Tourism
BarnabasSophroniusEcumenical Patriarch Of Constantinople
- Where is Sumela Monastery located?
- Sumela Monastery is located in the Altındere Valley National Park, an hour's drive south of Trabzon, Turkey. It's perched dramatically on a cliff face, 1000 feet above a river valley.
- What is the historical significance of Sumela Monastery?
- The monastery's history spans centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, from the Roman and Byzantine eras to the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic. It has faced periods of both flourishing and neglect.
- What recent discoveries have been made at Sumela Monastery?
- Restoration efforts at Sumela Monastery have uncovered hidden treasures, including a secret tunnel leading to an undiscovered church with vibrant frescoes depicting heaven and hell. These frescoes are now being painstakingly restored.
- What is the current status and importance of Sumela Monastery?
- Sumela Monastery is a significant historical and religious site, currently a government museum. It's listed on UNESCO's tentative list for World Heritage status and draws thousands of visitors annually.
- What are the legends surrounding the founding of Sumela Monastery?
- The monastery's origins are shrouded in legend, with one story claiming its founding in 386 AD by two monks guided by a vision of the Virgin Mary. Another version states the monastery was established in the 13th century.