Sumela Frescos by brewgirlca
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Description
Needs a full-sized view.
These two frescos were rather high up on the Rock Church at Sumela and thus out of reach of much of the vandalism. You can see a number of holes, some in parallel rows, indicating the frescos were machine gunned. Others are just random bullet holes. I cannot imagine the mindset of someone who could bring themselves to machine gun these works of art.
The bottom scene, the Raising of Lazarus, is a very popular theme of Christian iconography in eastern Turkey. I probably saw more of it than any other single event in the bible. This one is particularly well done with quite realistic looking people and vivid colors.
The top fresco is clearly Gabriel's meeting with Mary and is also beautifully done.
I was going to show you more images of the terrible damage but I think we should not showcase such evil, but rather rejoice in what we have left and be greatful it is now protected (at least for the time being, Turkey has a Muslim govt and the regime is trying to push Turkey to be more fundamentalist. The people are resisting, which is the cause of the recent riots.)
One more of Sumela and then I will be on to something else for a while.)
Comments (21)
eekdog
bummer there is so much damage on these, but they be old, cool and great info Roxy, amazing work they did. love your shot and happy belated birthday.
magnus073
Roxy, thank you so much for sharing these amazing Frescos with us. I was totally blown away by their detail and beauty. I agree with you're thoughts on what kind of sick mind could shoot up such lovely works of art, and am glad you chose to focus on the positive.
shingleboot
These do look very good for all that they've been through. Wonderful images
netot
What beautiful works of art, is a pity they are vandalized. The color and detail are superb.Excellent work!
SidheRoseGraphics
Looks like a couple of different languages at least on there: Greek, Cyrillic and Turkish? They are amazing looking images and we can only image what an awe-inspiring place this was to the faithful back in it's prime. Beautiful capture, Roxy! And yes...belated Happy Birthday!
mtdana
I like these detail shots of the Frescos – I’m still amazed any have survived so it is nice to see these well preserved examples. Are the Frescos ceramic tiles applied to the building? The chip in the lower frame looks like tile to me; they must be very hard to withstand machine gun bullets! Great information Thanks for posting!!!
whaleman
When artists see what has been done to great art, they move to other areas to practice their art. And the perpetrators are therefore condemned to live in an artless society which they helped create. Couldn't be more deserving!
MineFujiko
Agree with whaleman-san. Thank you for sharing these beautiful picture, Roxy-sensei!
nefertiabet
Wonderful photo and info!!!
Cyve
Fantastic captures Wonderfully done!
abreojos
I agree with the gun mindset..see it on rock art too..Awesome photos!
Faemike55
Very beautiful art and stories it is sad to see such art destroyed by those whose religious dogma dictates destruction
photosynthesis
I remember feeling the same way when I heard about the Taliban destroying ancient buddhist statues in Afghanistan years ago, but after all, it's not surprising that people capable of killing their fellow human beings out of religious fanaticism would also be willing to destroy precious art, is it?
adorety
Excellent share. These are great closeups and like Steve said, it is a bummer about all the damage. Regardless we can still see the effort, faith and beauty behind the work. Looks like medieval art circa 1000-1100 or a little older? Great series and look into an old mixed religious culture.
Tracesl Online Now!
excellent
RodS
Indeed, those are – or were – beautiful frescoes. It's good that you got some photos of them while they're still here to admire.. That's what you get with fanatics. And it doesn't really matter what belief system they subscribe to.... They become fanatic to the point of stupidity – how else can you describe vandalizing art like this, or strapping explosives to yourself? Idiots! What a wonderful tour you are taking us on, Roxy!
Dreamdesigner
Great photo's! Thank you for the sharing Roxy,But on the other hand,İt's a bit sad to me because implemented violence of a number of vandal, put in the dock the entire nation!! Also this armed vandalism that can be seen,is not being done for religious reasons only! and many of the people( you never know who they are?) who lives that area has serious weapons such as AK-47! Especially the People who lives under the western democracies seems like ready to believe easily that" All Muslims are Terrorists and a maniac suicide Bombers"!! But this is too much and Unfair! Yes, radical Islam is a damn fact and a dangerous thing for me as well! But if we try to think much more detailed,we can see every kind of radicalism have a cause no matter what!! Today,As you know,in Turkiye we have a riot because we don't want to live like a "bigot-idiot fundamentalist Fascist"s! we want Democracy and environmentally sensitive civilize Governments! not the dictator-Clowns!!And we want to protect our rights and resources,but we don!t want to attack to our Neighboring countries or to their resources!!.... Again thank you for your beautifully taken photographs Roxy :-))............
4udreamcatcher
Wonderful captures :O-)
0rest4wicked
I can't believe someone would even bring weapons to such a locale, let alone shot it up.
FaeMoon
It is hard to conceive of a mindset that would deface these wonderful works. Perhaps that is because we appreciate so much in art, even that I am not drawn to, I respect it. I know islamic faith does not like people represented in art, so that might play into it, somewhat. The colors of the frescoes are amazing.
Rhanagaz
Attacking artworks is not something new - but fine captures, Roxy!! :o)