Agios Sergios, Kirchengebäude in der Türkei
Welcome to the Monastery of Saint Sergios of Medikion, a ruined Byzantine-era monastery located near modern Tirilye in Turkey. This historic site is best known for its role in opposing Byzantine Iconoclasm and is a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. The monastery was originally known as the Medikion monastery and later as the Monastery of the Holy Fathers. Today, only the perimeter wall remains, which has a fortress-like appearance with its high walls and solid door. Above the entrance, you can see a heavily damaged inscription on which only the date 1801 is legible. According to the historian Adolphe Hergès, the name Medikios may derive from the name for "cloverleaf," and the church was referred to in more recent times by the people as "Pateron," meaning "Fathers." Tryphon E. Evangelides and W.M. Ramsay dated the monastery's construction to 810, but Hergès preferred a date around 780, which is now the accepted date. The founder of the monastery was Nikephoros, who restored a ruined church dedicated to Saint Michael and built the monastery around it. Nikephoros served as its first abbot until his death in 813. He participated in the Second Council of Nicaea in 787, where he indicated the monastery's full original name as "Saint Sergios of Medikion." After Nikephoros's death, his pupil Niketas became the abbot. However, Niketas was persecuted with the beginning of the second Iconoclasm under Leo V. Visitors to the Monastery of Saint Sergios of Medikion can explore the ruins of the monastery complex and marvel at the impressive perimeter wall. The site offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Byzantine era and the important role that this monastery played in opposing Iconoclasm. If you're interested in history and architecture, a visit to the Monastery of Saint Sergios of Medikion is a must. Don't miss this opportunity to explore one of Turkey's most fascinating historic sites.
Location: Tirilye
Location: Mudanya
Location: Bursa Province
Architectural style: Byzantine architecture
Source: Wikimedia