St. Anna Church, Byzantine church in Çarşı Mahallesi, Turkey
St. Anna Church is a Byzantine building featuring three semi-circular apses and a rectangular floor plan. The structure displays characteristic Byzantine architectural elements with its vaulted spaces and stone construction.
The church underwent major renovation during the late 9th century under the reigns of Basil I, Leo VI, and Alexander. An inscription above the south door records this significant period of restoration and renewal.
The interior walls display frescoes depicting holy figures and biblical scenes that reflect Byzantine religious artistry of the period. These painted images show how worshippers experienced their faith through visual storytelling.
Complete restoration work between 2021 and 2022 uncovered previously hidden frescoes beneath layers of whitewash. Visitors can now see the revealed interior paintings and experience the church as it was meant to be seen.
A classical sarcophagus forms the crowning element above the main entrance, carved with the figure of a standing warrior and a winged Nike. This unusual architectural choice shows how Byzantine builders reused older materials in their construction.
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