Kaymaklı Monastery, Armenian Apostolic monastery ruins on Boztepe hill, Ortahisar, Turkey
Kaymaklı Monastery is a ruins site on a hilltop in Ortahisar with a rectangular church featuring three naves, three apses, and a small chapel positioned near the southeast corner of the grounds. The overall layout gives a clear view of how this Armenian monastery was organized.
The monastery was founded in the early 15th century and served for centuries as the seat of the Trebizond diocese until 1915. In that year, its role changed dramatically when it became a transit camp for Armenians being deported to Syria.
The walls display religious frescoes from the 17th and 18th centuries, including a large Last Judgment scene on the west wall. These paintings show the deep connection between the monastery and Armenian faith practices of that era.
The site sits on a hillside outside Ortahisar and is best reached by taxi from Trabzon, as public transportation options are limited in this area. It helps to arrange a ride in advance to make the trip easier.
The chapel preserves ancient Armenian stone crosses known as khachkars, which represent a distinctive carving tradition. The oldest structure on the site dates to 1424 and shows how long Armenian culture had a presence here.
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