20-R.7.1

Unit 7. Facts about Turkey.

Page 92. Reading.

A magnificent structure hidden behind hills.

Sumila Monastery, Trabzon.

A site of major historical and cultural significance, as well as a prominent tourist attraction,

Sumila Monastery stands as a symbol of Pontic Greek heritage in the Mochka District of Trabzon Province.

The world -famous Sumila Monastery is one of the oldest and most historic monasteries in the world.

It is not exactly known when it was founded, but the monastery was built on a steep cliff,

1 ,150 meters above sea level around 386 sea during the reign of the Emperor Theodosius I,

according to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Its name comes from its location, previously known as Malo Mountain, Black Mountain or Karata.

According to another etymological theory, its name comes from the last word Sumila, it means Trinity in English.

It is also popularly known as Monastery of the Virgin Mary among local people because

of the depictions inside it.

During its long history, the monastery fell into ruin several times, but it was restored

by various emperors.

During the 6th century, it was restored and enlarged by general Bellisarius.

In the 17th century, some of its walls were decorated with frescoes, and it was renovated again.

This was followed by the addition of some huge buildings in the 19th century.

As far as it is known, it was at that time when the monastery took its present form.

Therefore, it can be said that the monastery played a significant role during the reign of the Ottoman Empire.

In 2000, the monastery was added into UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.

It was close to visitors in September 2015 for renovation and for safety reasons due to

an increase in rock falls.

It began to welcome visitors again in 2017.

After it was opened in 2017, Sumila monastery was visited by more than 26 ,000 people in 20 days.

The last of the renovations were completed in July 2020.

As visitors are accepted into every part of the monastery now, they could finally enjoy the history there.