Sümela Monastery is located in the northern city of Trabzon, on the Black Sea coast. There are many historical monasteries located in Turkey but what makes this Sümela special is its location. It is located on the side of a steep cliff at the altitude of 1200 metres overlooking a valley.
It was founded in 386 during the reign of Roman Empire. In the time of Ottoman Empire, it was given special rights and protection by various Ottoman Sultans. Monks and travelers were free to travel there and Sümela remained quite active until 19th century.
During the anatolian occupation, it was occupied by the Russian in 1916. After the population exchange agreement between Turkey and Greece, it was abandoned. And finally in 1930, some stuff from the monastery was brought to another monastery in Greece.
Today, Sümela is a only a visitor attraction of religious significance and great view of the valley and rivers below.
