First stage of restoration works at historical Sümela Monastery nears end

First stage of restoration works at historical Sümela Monastery nears end

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Restoration works at the historical Sümela Monastery in Turkey’s Black Sea province of Trabzon has neared an end, an aerial shooting has revealed. Click through for the story in photos.
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Turkish Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy visited the monastery in the mountainous area of Maçka district on March 9 to look over the restoration works which started four years ago.
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“We are about to finish the [works at the] first section. We will open the first section to visitors on May 18 Museums Day,” Ersoy said.
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“The opening of the second section could be as late as the end of 2020 [tourism] season. But we have decided to move the deadline of the second stage to May 2018,” the minister added.
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Industrial climbers have taken part in reclaiming the 79,000 square-meter slope of the Mela Mountain (Karadağ) in order to prevent rocks from falling down and the risk of an avalanche.

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A secret passage was discovered above the monastery during the reclamation works. It opens to a chapel and places of reclusion, according to archaeologists.

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Frescos portraying the heaven, the infernal world, life and death were also found in the newly discovered area.
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Built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Theodosius I (375-395 AD), Sümela Monastery was dedicated to Virgin Mary. Alexios III of Trebizond (1349 – 1390) has been deemed as the real founder of the complex due to the large development works.
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The monastery complex includes the Rock Church, several chapels, 72 rooms, a guesthouse, a library and a sacred spring revered by Eastern Orthodox Christians.
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Photos: Demirören News Agency
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