Sumela Monastery Splendor in the Heart of Montenegro
Sümela Monastery, built on the steep cliffs of Karadağ (Mount Mela) overlooking the Altındere Valley in the Maçka district of Trabzon, is one of the most important cultural heritages of Anatolia with its architectural genius and thousands of years of history. One of the holiest sites of the Christian faith for centuries, it offers its visitors a breathtaking experience of history and nature.
1. A Challenging Location, A Magnificent Work: Architectural Genius
The most important feature that makes Sumela Monastery unique is its construction technique. Like an eagle's nest, the monastery was carved out of a steep block of rock about 300 meters above the ground.
Complex Structure: The monastery includes the main rock church, chapels, kitchens, student rooms (cells), library and guest house. All these structures are connected by narrow and winding staircases.
Water Arches: The huge stone arches (aqueducts) that carry water to the monastery greet you at the entrance and give you the first hint of the extreme conditions under which the structure was built.
Transportation Experience: After leaving their vehicles, visitors take a steep and pleasant walking path through the forest to reach the monastery. This climb prepares the visitor for the splendor of the structure.
2. Myth and History: A 16-Century Legacy
Sümela's history is intertwined with legends. Its foundation dates back to the early years of Christianity, to the 4th century.
Foundation Legend: According to legend, it began when two monks from Athens, Barnabas and Sophronios, came to this deserted mountain after seeing the Virgin Mary in their dreams and built the monastery.
Panagia Sumela: The monastery is dedicated to Panagia Sumela, which means "Virgin Mary of the Black Mountain". The monastery probably takes its name from the dark color of the mountain (Melas: Black) or from the icon kept in the monastery, which is thought to be dark in color.
Life Throughout the Periods: The monastery, which experienced its peak during the Byzantine Empire, was taken under protection with the edict of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror after the conquest of the Ottoman Empire and continued its activities uninterruptedly. After the 1923 population exchange, the monastery was abandoned and after about a century it underwent a major restoration and opened to visitors.
3. The Power of Art: The Rock Church and the Frescoes
The artistic value of the monastery lies particularly in the unique frescoes that adorn its walls.
Exterior Murals: The most remarkable works of art are located on the exterior of the monastery, facing the courtyard. These frescoes depict scenes from the Bible, Jesus Christ, Mary and the saints in vivid colors.
Interiors: Especially the bedrock churches and chapels offer invaluable examples of the religious art of the period. Some of the frescoes have survived to the present day despite the harsh weather conditions due to the fact that they were carved directly into the rock surface.
4. Sumela Experience Today
Sümela is one of the most visited destinations in Turkey, reopened to visitors after restoration works.
Historical Texture: Within the monastery complex, you can visit the cells, library and prayer areas to trace the monks who lived here in the past.
View of Altındere Valley: When you look down from the summit, the mesmerizing view of the spruce forests and the Altındere valley offers a breathtaking reward.
Sümela Monastery is a silent and majestic monument to the triumph of both faith and human perseverance in the struggle against nature.