The historic Panagia Soumela Monastery in Turkey’s Black Sea region experienced a surge in tourism in 2025, attracting a record 514,596 visitors. This marks the first time the monastery has surpassed the half-million visitor threshold. Official tourism data indicates a 16 percent increase in visitors compared to the previous year, demonstrating a growing interest in the country’s Christian historical sites. The monastery, a significant landmark for the Greek Orthodox community, continues to draw both pilgrims and tourists. This increase suggests a positive trend in cultural and religious tourism within Turkey. Authorities attribute the rise to increased promotion and improved accessibility to the site. The record numbers underscore Soumela Monastery’s enduring appeal as a cultural and religious destination.