Loading video...

Video Failed to Load

There was a problem loading this video. This could be due to a temporary network issue or the video might be unavailable.

Suspended between forest and sky, Sümela Monastery feels almost unreal—an ancient sanctuary carved into the cliffs of Turkey

Science girl

5,450,435 subscribers

124,708 views • 6 months ago •via X (Twitter)

Arts Science & Technology

Anya Rossi• Live Now

Private livecam show

0 Comments

No comments available

Comments from the original post will appear here

Related Videos

⛪️🇱🇧 A Monastery Between the Sky and the Rocks in Lebanon Perched dramatically on the steep cliffs of the Koura region in Northern Lebanon, the Hamatoura Monastery (Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos) is one of the oldest and most spiritually significant Orthodox sites in the area. With a history dating back to the 4th century, the monastery is renowned for being carved directly into a massive rock face overlooking the Kadisha Valley. Despite suffering numerous destructions throughout history, it has been rebuilt each time and remains deeply associated with Saint Jacob (Saint James), who was martyred there in the 14th century. Today, it continues to house an active monastic community. Accessible only via a steep hiking trail, the complex offers a mystical atmosphere with its ancient frescoes, cave churches, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Video by Elias Korkomaz | P Elie korkomaz @flyoverlebanon IG

⛪️🇱🇧 A Monastery Between the Sky and the Rocks in Lebanon Perched dramatically on the steep cliffs of the Koura region in Northern Lebanon, the Hamatoura Monastery (Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos) is one of the oldest and most spiritually significant Orthodox sites in the area. With a history dating back to the 4th century, the monastery is renowned for being carved directly into a massive rock face overlooking the Kadisha Valley. Despite suffering numerous destructions throughout history, it has been rebuilt each time and remains deeply associated with Saint Jacob (Saint James), who was martyred there in the 14th century. Today, it continues to house an active monastic community. Accessible only via a steep hiking trail, the complex offers a mystical atmosphere with its ancient frescoes, cave churches, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Video by Elias Korkomaz | P Elie korkomaz @flyoverlebanon IG

MENA Visuals

13,168 views • 3 months ago

Between the sky and that unreal Bahamas blue

Between the sky and that unreal Bahamas blue

Anand Lalaji MD (Dr A)

10,328,161 views • 3 months ago

#2025SilkRoadInternationalTourismConference Maria’s journey through Gansu begins at Mati Temple in Zhangye. She explores ancient grottoes carved into cliffs, where faith and art intertwine. Her Silk Road journey starts here!#Gansu #SilkRoad #Zhangye

#2025SilkRoadInternationalTourismConference Maria’s journey through Gansu begins at Mati Temple in Zhangye. She explores ancient grottoes carved into cliffs, where faith and art intertwine. Her Silk Road journey starts here!#Gansu #SilkRoad #Zhangye

DiscoverGansu

110,925 views • 1 year ago

The final minutes of the 4Q between the Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces! Unreal 🔥

The final minutes of the 4Q between the Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces! Unreal 🔥

WNBA

34,673 views • 1 year ago

The Longmen Grottoes look like they were carved with industrial equipment; except every surface says otherwise. Cut straight into the limestone cliffs of Henan, China, there’s more than 100,000 Buddhist figures some towering stories high. Most were carved between the late Northern Wei and Tang dynasties, roughly 1,500 years ago, using nothing more advanced than chisels, hammers, and patience measured in generations.

The Longmen Grottoes look like they were carved with industrial equipment; except every surface says otherwise. Cut straight into the limestone cliffs of Henan, China, there’s more than 100,000 Buddhist figures some towering stories high. Most were carved between the late Northern Wei and Tang dynasties, roughly 1,500 years ago, using nothing more advanced than chisels, hammers, and patience measured in generations.

Ancient Hypotheses

55,929 views • 3 months ago

Unearthed in silence: The Forest Mandir of Maa Kaali🙏 Deep in the heart of a Mist-Laden forest an awe-inspiring revelation, a colossal Maa Kaali sculpture carved into the earth itself, hidden for centuries, revealed by time.

Unearthed in silence: The Forest Mandir of Maa Kaali🙏 Deep in the heart of a Mist-Laden forest an awe-inspiring revelation, a colossal Maa Kaali sculpture carved into the earth itself, hidden for centuries, revealed by time.

Heritage Girl

122,018 views • 1 year ago

⛰️Where wooden beams of Hanging Temple cling to cliffs, and prayer bells echo above the void, the Hanging Temple floats between earth and sky. On its wind-worn eaves, Kai discovers the next sign: a porous volcanic stone, carved into the form of Wukong—silent, watching. As hunters close in, Yuwen shields him through shifting stairways and shadowed corridors. The chase tightens. What element will they uncover next? The Datong Code

⛰️Where wooden beams of Hanging Temple cling to cliffs, and prayer bells echo above the void, the Hanging Temple floats between earth and sky. On its wind-worn eaves, Kai discovers the next sign: a porous volcanic stone, carved into the form of Wukong—silent, watching. As hunters close in, Yuwen shields him through shifting stairways and shadowed corridors. The chase tightens. What element will they uncover next? The Datong Code

Peking University

98,890 views • 4 months ago

High atop Chimney Rock in Colorado, the Chacoan people built a kiva—not randomly placed, but precisely aligned. From this sacred spot, once every 18.6 years, the moon rises perfectly between two massive stone pillars. An ancient lunar observatory… carved into the landscape. They weren’t just watching the sky. They were in dialogue with it.

High atop Chimney Rock in Colorado, the Chacoan people built a kiva—not randomly placed, but precisely aligned. From this sacred spot, once every 18.6 years, the moon rises perfectly between two massive stone pillars. An ancient lunar observatory… carved into the landscape. They weren’t just watching the sky. They were in dialogue with it.

Randall Carlson

30,798 views • 1 year ago

Beneath the streets of Derinkuyu, Turkey lies an ancient underground city stretching 18 stories deep, capable of sheltering 20,000-30,000 people. Carved from volcanic rock thousands of years ago, it features ventilation shafts, stables, kitchens, and even schools — all hidden from the surface. Who built it? And what were they hiding from?

Beneath the streets of Derinkuyu, Turkey lies an ancient underground city stretching 18 stories deep, capable of sheltering 20,000-30,000 people. Carved from volcanic rock thousands of years ago, it features ventilation shafts, stables, kitchens, and even schools — all hidden from the surface. Who built it? And what were they hiding from?

Billy Carson II

84,531 views • 11 months ago

One of the wildest examples of medieval Armenian architecture. Geghard Monastery is a 4th century complex built around a sacred spring inside a cave, with churches and tombs literally carved straight into the mountain. (vid: sweetcsdesigns)

One of the wildest examples of medieval Armenian architecture. Geghard Monastery is a 4th century complex built around a sacred spring inside a cave, with churches and tombs literally carved straight into the mountain. (vid: sweetcsdesigns)

Muse

35,950 views • 23 days ago

I was recently at the archeological site of the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. Not far from the rush of the State Agora and the Temple of Domitian, carved into the stone, is a 2nd century Christian code. This 1800 year old Christian creedal statement is one you may be familiar with — it’s the origin of the “Jesus fish.” ἸΧΘΥΣ is Greek for fish, and was an ancient Christian acronym: (I) Ἰησοῦς - Jesus; (ch) Χρῑστός - Christ; (th) Θεοῦ- God; (u) Υἱός- Son; (s) Σωτήρ- Saviour.

I was recently at the archeological site of the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. Not far from the rush of the State Agora and the Temple of Domitian, carved into the stone, is a 2nd century Christian code. This 1800 year old Christian creedal statement is one you may be familiar with — it’s the origin of the “Jesus fish.” ἸΧΘΥΣ is Greek for fish, and was an ancient Christian acronym: (I) Ἰησοῦς - Jesus; (ch) Χρῑστός - Christ; (th) Θεοῦ- God; (u) Υἱός- Son; (s) Σωτήρ- Saviour.

Wes Huff

219,491 views • 1 year ago

Good morning, Coffee Companions… ☕✨ Today’s view feels like stepping into another world. Standing above the legendary sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, China — the place that inspired the floating mountains of Avatar — and honestly, pictures still don’t do it justice. The air, the scale, the silence between the cliffs… it feels unreal in the best possible way. Wherever you are this morning, I hope you find at least one moment today that makes you stop and just take it all in. 🌿⛰️ So who’s the lucky friend that’s gonna join me in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, China today? #CoffeeCompanions kathleen d art ✧

Kathleen D💫🧬

20,465 views • 1 month ago

The diplomatic corps in Azerbaijan paid a visit to the Kalbajar region and toured the Xudavəng Monastery, one of the ancient temples of Azerbaijan.

The diplomatic corps in Azerbaijan paid a visit to the Kalbajar region and toured the Xudavəng Monastery, one of the ancient temples of Azerbaijan.

Tural Ganjali

554,722 views • 1 year ago

Italian officials have expressed outrage after a viral video surfaced of a tourist carving an etching into the wall of the Colosseum in Rome. The unidentified man reportedly carved the inscription ‘Ivan + Hayley 23’ into the ancient venue’s stone facade with a key.

Italian officials have expressed outrage after a viral video surfaced of a tourist carving an etching into the wall of the Colosseum in Rome. The unidentified man reportedly carved the inscription ‘Ivan + Hayley 23’ into the ancient venue’s stone facade with a key.

NowThis Impact

1,561,706 views • 3 years ago

A 1600 year old Assyrian monastery is under threat in Turkey. Mor Gabriel was founded in 397 AD in Tur Abdin, the heart of Syriac Christianity. It is about to lose its surrounding land. Turkey reclassified ~288,000 m² as "forest land" and listed it for sale: €250,000.

A 1600 year old Assyrian monastery is under threat in Turkey. Mor Gabriel was founded in 397 AD in Tur Abdin, the heart of Syriac Christianity. It is about to lose its surrounding land. Turkey reclassified ~288,000 m² as "forest land" and listed it for sale: €250,000.

The Aramaic Wire ܣܘܪܝܐ

15,175 views • 1 month ago

Ukrainian Orthodox Monastery (UOC) seized by Ukraine government. This occurred May 11th at St. Michael's Monastery in Pereyaslav. Police drag Orthodox Christians from the door of the sanctuary, including Abbot Archimandrite Antoniy, to turn it into a museum. Christ have mercy.

Ukrainian Orthodox Monastery (UOC) seized by Ukraine government. This occurred May 11th at St. Michael's Monastery in Pereyaslav. Police drag Orthodox Christians from the door of the sanctuary, including Abbot Archimandrite Antoniy, to turn it into a museum. Christ have mercy.

Theophan

85,126 views • 2 months ago

Vernazza, Italy is one of those places that almost looks unreal. Tiny harbor, colorful houses, cliffs over the water, and that perfect Cinque Terre vibe where every view looks like it belongs on a postcard.

Vernazza, Italy is one of those places that almost looks unreal. Tiny harbor, colorful houses, cliffs over the water, and that perfect Cinque Terre vibe where every view looks like it belongs on a postcard.

The Timeless Traveler 🇺🇸

5,640,863 views • 27 days ago

G-DRAGON turns the 2025 MAMA Awards into his own stage, dropping a performance so sharp and iconic it feels carved into history.

G-DRAGON turns the 2025 MAMA Awards into his own stage, dropping a performance so sharp and iconic it feels carved into history.

Pop Core

50,262 views • 7 months ago

There are hidden places, carved into the earth. Ancient places that whisper of civilisations before our own. I am taking you to those places.

There are hidden places, carved into the earth. Ancient places that whisper of civilisations before our own. I am taking you to those places.

Jay Anderson

102,563 views • 8 months ago