https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/08/06/icons-in-pontian-monastery-destroyed-by-turkish-vandals/
The historic Soumela Monastery in Pontus, has come under intense vandalism despite the site being included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Many of the icons and murals in the historic monastery have been vandalised so destructively, that many of the faces painted are no longer visible.
A Twitter user claimed responsibility for the damage to the murals, writing “I confess I have taken on this sacred duty,” according to Turkish media.
This Greek Orthodox monastery and ecclesiastical complex located at 1,150 meters above sea level and 300 meters from the valley has existed since the 13th century. It was founded in 1204 by the Komnenian principality of Trapezounta (Τραπεζούντα, Turkish: Trabzon).
The monastery which is the most important pilgrimage for the Greeks of the Black Sea, is famous for its sanctification and annually receives hundreds of thousands of visitors.
