Restored 700-year-old Sinop church unveils vivid biblical frescoes, including Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, after 16-year project.
Newsroom (30/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) After 16 years of meticulous restoration, the Balatlar Church in Sinop, Türkiye, has emerged from beneath a protective roof to reveal vibrant medieval wall paintings, including vivid biblical depictions of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac and the triumph of saints over the devil. The 700-year-old structure, part of the Balatlar Building Complex, now stands structurally sound and open to visitors, offering a window into centuries of religious and cultural history.
The restoration, led by Professor Dr. Gülgün Köroğlu of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, addressed severe water damage, stabilized the building’s exterior, and preserved its delicate frescoes. “For 16 years, we restored the exterior, stopped water infiltration, repaired the wall paintings, and installed a protective roof,” Köroğlu told Haberler. The project, supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, culminated this month with the removal of the protective covering, allowing daylight to illuminate the church’s walls for the first time since the work began.
Originally part of a Roman Imperial bath complex, the Balatlar site was repurposed as a church in the 13th century and served as such until 1924. Following the population exchange between Türkiye and Greece, the building fell into private hands, functioning as a tobacco drying facility and workshop until excavations began in 2010. The 16-year effort uncovered 1,600-year-old floor mosaics, statue fragments, animal-figured objects, and numerous tombs, shedding light on Sinop’s layered past.
The restored frescoes, now carefully protected, depict scenes from the Torah and Bible with striking detail. In the apse, a central image shows Jesus seated on a divine throne, flanked by the archangels Michael and Gabriel, with Mary below, her arms outstretched in a gesture embracing humanity. Other walls feature saints adorned with crosses, portrayed with the intricate artistry of religious icons. “These are important religious figures who institutionalized Christianity and organized religious life,” Köroğlu explained to Anadolu Agency.
Among the standout discoveries are scenes from the Torah, including Abraham’s near-sacrifice of his son Isaac, a pivotal moment in Judeo-Christian narratives. The paintings also reflect medieval Christian anxieties, with vivid portrayals of saints defeating the devil and healing illnesses. Adding a maritime dimension, ship graffiti scratched into the walls hint at ancient worshippers’ prayers for safe sea voyages. “Before embarking on long journeys, they prayed for protection from storms and left these drawings as souvenirs,” Köroğlu noted.
The Balatlar Church’s restoration not only preserves a sacred site but also illuminates Sinop’s role as a crossroads of faith and culture. Excavations continue, particularly around the tombs on the ground floor, promising further insights into the region’s history. For now, the church stands as a testament to resilience, its walls whispering stories of devotion, sacrifice, and survival across centuries.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from haberler.com
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