Saint Anne Church, Trabzon

The Church of Saint Anne (Greek: Ἁγία Άννα, Turkish: Küçük Ayvasıl Kilisesi) is thought to be the oldest church in Trabzon city, Turkey, dating to the 6th or 7th century. It has not seen service in over a century, but has recently (2021-22) been thoroughly restored. With whitewash removed, all remaining fresco's have now become visible. The church is accessible to the public free of charge during daytime hours.

Church of Saint Anne
Exterior view of the church
Religion
AffiliationGreek Orthodox Church
RiteByzantine Rite
StatusPublicly accessible landmark
Location
LocationTrebizond, Turkey
Architecture
TypeMonastery
Groundbreaking6th century AD
Completed7th century AD

Architecture

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The building is a small, early Byzantine-style structure, with a barrel vaulted nave and aisles,[1] and a sanctuary flanked by side-chamber formed from three curved apses.[2] Spolia is used in the building, with a classical sarcophagus used to form a tympanum over the main entrance door, showing a standing warrior and a winged Nike.[3]

It is possible the church was built around the 6th or 7th centuries AD. On a relief slab above the south door there is an inscription stating that St. Anne was restored during the joint reigns of Basil I, Leo VI and Alexander in 884/85.[4]

In 2021/22 the church was restored. Its exterior and interior cleaned. All whitewash was removed, making previously hidden frescoes visible. [5]

References

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  1. ^ Richard Krautheimer et al, Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1992) p. 395
  2. ^ A. G. Sagona, The Heritage of Eastern Turkey: From Earliest Settlements to Islam (London: Macmillan, 2005) p.170
  3. ^ Antony Eastmond, Art and Identity in Thirteenth-Century Byzantium (London: Ashgate, 2004) p.20
  4. ^ Anthony Bryer and David Winfield (1985). The Byzantine Monuments and Topography of the Pontos. Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection. p. 218. ISBN 0-884-0212-2-X.
  5. ^ Historic Little Quince Church welcomes its first visitors Anadolu Agency, July 7, 2022

41°00′22″N 39°43′24″E / 41.00611°N 39.72333°E / 41.00611; 39.72333