Santa Maria Catholic Church

Santa Maria Catholic Church is one of the Catholic places of worship constructed in the 19th century in the Black Sea Region. It was built to meet the religious needs of the Catholic community in Trabzon, within the framework of rights granted to non-Muslim communities by the Ottoman State following the Tanzimat and Islahat Fermanları. The structure was shaped under the activities of the Catholic Franciscan (Capuchin) order and is regarded as an architectural testament to the presence of Catholicism in the Black Sea Region during the late Ottoman period.

History

The construction of the Trabzon Santa Maria Catholic Church began in 1869 and was completed in 1874. The church was erected through the initiatives of Franciscan (Capuchin) friars who arrived in the Black Sea Region from Tiflis under Russian administration. This process is directly linked to the religious and administrative privileges granted by the Ottoman State to Catholic communities during the 19th century. Since its completion, the church has served as the center of worship for the Catholic community in Trabzon.

Architectural Features

The Trabzon Santa Maria Catholic Church is a structure that reflects 19th-century European architectural trends in the Black Sea Region. Its design incorporates influences from Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic styles. The floor plan follows the basilical layout, with symmetry dominating the facade composition. The architectural and decorative elements used on the building’s exteriors and interior spaces align with general characteristics of Catholic church architecture.

Interior Layout

The interior of the church is arranged in accordance with Catholic liturgical requirements. The apse, nave, and side spaces are clearly distinguished. Wall paintings, statues, and liturgical objects reflect the fundamental elements of Catholic iconography. These decorations are considered among the applications of European-derived religious artistic traditions in Trabzon.

Current Status

The Trabzon Santa Maria Catholic Church continues to serve its religious function today. The building holds an important place within Trabzon’s cultural and religious heritage. Due to its status as one of the few surviving Catholic structures in the Black Sea Region, it attracts attention for its historical and architectural significance.