Rock Church - Sumela by brewgirlca
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Description
This is the Rock Church of Sumela. It dates back to near the time of the original construction of the monastery in the 4th century. Inner frescos date to the 12th centurey- but the frescos on the outside are from the 1700s.
The frescos are incredibly beautiful. They are intricately painted in rich colors and depict the New Testament Bible.
Sadly, the outer frescos have been heavily vandalized. Many of the faces have been pecked off - by local Muslim peasents who were against eyes in iconography. However, you can see many symetrical cut outs attesting to removal by collectors. Graphitti, in Greek, Crylic, Arabic, Turkish and western European alphabets attest to an attack by peoples of many cultures. Bullet holes are more common in the higher frescos, which were out of easy reach by the vandals.
It is an odd feeling when one is standing there; a mixture of awe and revulsion. The works of art are incredibly powerful and a testament to the skill of the monks who painted them. The vandalism, by contrast is a testament to the ignorance and evil of mankind. The juxtaposition is incredibly moving and not something that is easily forgotten once seen.
Shocking cultural juxtapositions of various kinds are not uncommon in eastern Turkey. They make up much of the cultural mosaic of this land which encompasses an uneasy mix of middle eastern and western civilizations.
Comments (26)
eekdog
that is fabulous Roxy, love the info on this..
Faemike55
Very beautiful capture and sad story of the damage
weesel
The info is great. The image is also great. The people who feel they have to deface something, whatever the escuse, are not so great.
magnus073
Fantastic capture of this amazing church, Roxy. Thank you so much for all the info also.
adorety
Extraordinary place and beautiful capture. I'm really overwhelmed at the amount of vandalism on this too. I can certainly understand your reaction. Religious intolerance seems to be the strongest cause of destruction in the world. Rather ironic. I can get some sense of the artwork and the amount of detail and craft that went into it. Luckily much still survives.
ronmolina
Incredible!
barryjeffer
I really love these shots Roxy...Brilliant and Beautiful.
0rest4wicked
Very impressive, how I would like to stand here. Though the other point raised would leave me hot under the collar too. Thanks for sharing!
AidanaWillowRaven
Amazing ...
Nonsolum
Beyond the vandalism, what an incredible holding of colors during the time. Lucky we are that we can see what's offered to your eyes ! Thanks.
netot
It's a shame that religious beliefs derived so easily in fanaticism, and it is also a shame that many people do not respect the right of others to think and believe differently. It is also a shame the indifference of the authorities. There should be someone in charge of monitoring these historical pieces, and prevent vandalism. Beautiful place and a great capture.
renecyberdoc
the ignorance and the evil of mankind huh.you are right it is destroying everything,along with the greed and perversions.
SidheRoseGraphics
Such a sad shame this is so vandalized :( Wonderful capture.
mtdana
Incredibly detailed and beautiful artwork, and I agree sadly ravaged by time and vandals but at the same time I’m shocked the outer frescos have not been totally lost if they have been exposed to the elements for centuries. The construction of the building is also amazing it looks like the wall has been scribed to perfectly fit into the rock roof. Incredible image and info – thanks for posting!!!
whaleman
It is at once beautiful and horrific!
Blush
another awesome image very interesting love all the detail hugs susan
Tracesl
excellent
Cyve
Stunning captue and marvelous image !
JuliSonne
How much love in this detailed work unplugged. Excellent pic and a church in the rock I've never seen. This whole areal is admirable! Thanks for sharing!
tommorules
Sadly hate-filled people will always want to spoil things for others. Had this been in Afghanistan the taliban would have totally destroyed it years ago. Fortunate that enough survives to still be appreciated. Lovely picture, detail really appreciated on zoom.
RodS
A wonderful capture of this gorgeous structure, Roxy! Indeed – you've captured the epitome of beauty and elegance, and the crass stupidity of mankind all in the same image. Well done, my friend!
JaneEden
Oh how amazing it is, and yes so very sad that there is so much vandalism of such a beautiful place. hugs Jane xx
3dpoetry
Amazing
drifterlee
really beautiful shot!
FaeMoon
The scope of this must be truly magnificent in person. I can feel some of it in the photo, but I would have loved to have been there, to view it myself. Thank you for sharing these images!
ysvry
great foto seems you captured here the origins of the comic strip ;)