The Greek Orthodox Sumela Monastery in Trabzon

The Sumela Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, is a Greek Orthodox monastery located in the Maçka district of Trabzon, a city on the Black Sea coast of northeastern Turkey. The monastery is perched on a cliff at an altitude of around 1,200 meters and is surrounded by lush forests.

The monastery was founded in the 4th century by two monks, Barnabas and Sophronius, who are said to have discovered a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave in the cliffs. The hero was believed to have miraculous powers, and the monastery became a place of pilgrimage for believers from all over the region.

The Sumela Monastery was an important centre of learning and art, and it played a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of the region. It was also an important trade centre on the Silk Road, an influential trade route between Europe and Asia.

The monastery was abandoned in 1923 when the Greek Orthodox population of the region was forced to leave Turkey as part of a population exchange between Greece and Turkey. It was later restored and opened to the public as a museum. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction known for its beautiful architecture and stunning natural setting.