A delegation of journalists from Turkmenistan visited the Hagia Sophia Church in the city of Trabzon, Türkiye, as part of a professional visit aimed at strengthening cultural ties between the two countries. The Turkmen delegation included representatives from various outlets, including Business Turkmenistan, Turkmenportal, Orient, News Central Asia, Atavatan Turkmenistan, Medeniýet we Syýahat magazine, and the Turkmenistan TV4 television channel.
The Hagia Sophia Church, built in the 13th century during the Empire of Trebizond, is one of the most significant Byzantine monuments on the Black Sea coast. It was converted into a museum in 1964 and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its unique architecture combines Byzantine traditions with local construction techniques. Frescoes from the 13th century that depict biblical scenes have been preserved in the church's interior to this day.
During the visit, journalists learnt about the church's history and its architectural features, which reflect various historical periods. The church underwent numerous transformations: in the 15th century, after the Ottomans conquered Trabzon, it was converted into a mosque, and in the 20th century, it became a museum and remained an important cultural centre.
After visiting the church, the delegation toured the historical district called Ortamahalle. This neighbourhood, also known as the "middle neighbourhood," serves as an exquisite example of the urban structure that flourished during the Ottoman era. The narrow, cobblestone streets and traditional Ottoman houses create an old-city atmosphere. The Church of Saint George from the Byzantine period is also located in Ortamahalle. Reflecting the centuries-old history and religious diversity of the area, this church is a significant part of the historical and cultural heritage of the region.