Perched dramatically upon a rugged cliff in the mountainous Maçka region near Trabzon, the ruins of Saint George Peristereotas have stood in quiet solitude for over a century.
Founded in the mid-eighth century, this sacred site was once heralded as one of the three great Pontian Greek monasteries, standing proudly alongside the world-renowned Sumela Monastery and the venerable Vazelon. For generations, Peristereotas served as a vital spiritual sanctuary, a center of learning, and a beacon of Greek Orthodox culture in the Black Sea region.
A Hidden Treasure in Sumela’s Shadow
Unlike Sumela, which captured global attention and underwent major restoration, Peristereotas faded into relative obscurity. Following the Pontic Genocide and the forced population exchange, the monastery was abandoned.
Its halls fell silent, its priceless library was lost, and the harsh elements gradually turned the once-thriving complex into haunting ruins. While Sumela welcomed millions of pilgrims, Peristereotas remained hidden in the mist-shrouded valley, known locally as Kuştul Monastery.
From Ancient Ruins to TV Screen
Now, this long-overlooked monastery in Trabzon is stepping back into the spotlight. The dramatic ruins are featured in the official trailer for Sevdam Karadeniz (“My Love, Black Sea”), a new Turkish television drama airing on the NOW network. Set against the atmospheric landscape of Pontus, the series uses the striking stone archways of Peristereotas as the backdrop for a story of family feuds and forbidden love.
Local media have hailed the site as a “hidden treasure” finally emerging from Sumela’s shadow, predicting that the series will trigger a surge in regional heritage tourism.
Beyond television drama, this cinematic exposure offers something far deeper: a chance to reawaken international awareness of the Greek history of Pontus. As viewers tune in, the enduring stones of Saint George Peristereotas will once again tell their story to the world.
Related: The Forgotten Greek Monasteries of Pontus: Beyond Sumela
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