Trabzon
Europe
Napoleon Had Greek Roots Controversial Theory Suggests
Napoleon, the Corsican upstart who seized absolute power as French emperor, may have had Greek roots, at least according to a controversial theory espoused by some historians.
Corsica may seem far away from Greece but the fourth-largest island in the...
Greek church
Turkey Bans Liturgy at Historic Monastery of Panagia Soumela
Turkey has forbidden the liturgy at the historic Orthodox monastery of Panagia Soumela on the August 15 religious holiday.
The Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople informed the Christian community of the decision in a statement released on Thursday. However, no explanation...
Europe
Istanbul Mayor and Erdogan’s Rival Sentenced to Prison in Turkey
A Turkish court sentenced Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu to 2 years and 7 months in prison on Wednesday on charges of insulting members of Turkey's Supreme Electoral Council.
The court convicted Imamoglu of the charge and also imposed a political...
Greek church
Orthodox Outrage as Panagia Soumela Turns into Nightclub in Ad
The courtyard of Panagia Soumela Monastery turned into a nightclub in advertising video clip, causing outrage in the Orthodox World
Greek church
Ecumenical Patriarch Officiates at Soumela Monastery Liturgy
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led a liturgy at the historic Soumela Monastery in the Black Sea province of Trabzon on Aug. 15.
Archaeology
Erdogan Reopens Turkey’s Soumela Monastery After Restoration
Soumela Monastery, the Greek Orthodox edifice built in 385 AD which was included on UNESCO's temporary list of World Heritage Sites in 2000, was reopened on Tuesday by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a videoconference ceremony.
The Turkish President,...
Archaeology
Archaeologists Express Concerns Over Future of Hagia Sophia of Trabzon
The association of Greek archaeologists sent a letter recently to the Greek and Turkish ministries of culture as well as to the Greek branch of UNESCO regarding the state of the Hagia Sophia monument in Trabzon,Turkey.
The archaeologists' letter focuses on...
Culture
Historic Sumela Monastery to Finally Reopen in May
The first section of the historic Greek Orthodox Sumela monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, will re-open to the public on May 18, Turkish authorities announced this week.
The monastery, a reference point and religious touchstone for all Pontian Greeks,...
Greece
A Journey with Symbolism: Bicyclist Connects Panagia Soumela Monasteries in Veria, Trabzon
In a long journey full of religious and cultural symbolism, 34 year-old George Lipiridis recently bicycled from the Panagia Soumela Monastery in the Greek region of Macedonia, to the Panagia Soumela Monastery in present-day Turkey, near the city of...
Europe
Priceless Byzantine Mosaic Found under Mosque in Turkey
A 100-square-meter mosaic, which has been preserved in excellent condition, was discovered on the floor of the historic church of Panagia Chrysokefalou, in Ortahisar of Trabzon.
The Byzantine church was transformed into a mosque by Muhammad the Conqueror in 1461. The...