Phanar Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Istanbul
Istanbul Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Church of St. George, History
History of Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople
A new chapter started in the history of the Eastern Church when the City of Constantinople was captured by Ottomans in 1453. Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, which had been controlled by the Byzantine Empire for centuries until then, was suddenly faced with extinction.
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate During The Ottoman Period
The historical richness of today’s Istanbul owes a great deal to Mehmed II‘s educated and open-minded personality. Because the Sultan wanted to be called as the Roman Emperor as well; therefore, he did not demolish any structure from the Byzantine period.
Moving From Hagia Sophia to St. George’s Cathedral
The Young Sultan moved the Orthodox Patriarchate from Hagia Sophia to another church (Church of St. George) in Fener – or Pahanar – district located on the Golden Horn.
Church of St. George Within Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Istanbul
Church of St. George Within Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Istanbul
Istanbul Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
Fener, whose old name was Phanarion, was a district in which Orthodox Christians lived during the Ottoman times. The most important aspect of the district and its periphery is that they reflect Istanbul’s history and cosmopolitanism in a perfect way.
Istanbul – Cibali, Fener, Balat Neighborhoods
Neighboring Cibali district is a Muslim one, Fener district is a Christian one and Balat district is a Jewish one. These neighborhoods existed within the historical Constantinople walls and people inside coexisted peacefully for centuries.
Nowadays Church of St. Mary of the Mongols, which has served continually as a church after the seizure of Istanbul by the Ottomans can be seen in Fener District. This church has a very touching story.
Besides, Greek Orthodox College, which trained clergies for many years for the Patriarchate is next to the church. College takes the attention with its beautiful architecture.
Featured Article: Istanbul’s Old Neighborhoods Fener Balat
Phanar Greek Orthodox School – Fener-Balat Neighborhood Istanbul
Phanar Greek Orthodox Patriarchate School – Former School of Theology
Phanar-Fener Greek-Byzantine Quarter in Ottoman Istanbul
Some Byzantine-origin citizens who lived in Fener neighborhood took important roles as administrators in the western provinces of Ottoman Empire. In addition to it, they also worked as translators due to their grasp of western languages.
Some of them got rich by involving in trade and craftsmanship. Therefore a rich local architecture greets the eye in Fener area. That is why this district is visited by people who are into photography.
Hidden Gem: Old Wooden Houses of Fener-Balat Neighborhood Istanbul
Wooden Houses from Ottoman Istanbul, Greek-Jewish-Turkish Houses next to each other.
Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Today
Patriarchate is still active as of today and open to visitors in this beautiful Fener Area of Istanbul. The Church of St. George within the Patriarchate complex is a secret jewel in Istanbul with its incredible gold-leaf altar.
Current Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I
Current Greek Orthodox Patriarch – His Holiness Bartholomew. Picture: Bülent Kılıç.
Byzantine Greek Orthodox People of Turkey Today
Unfortunately only a few families who are of Byzantine origin are currently living here. Well-established and rich families settled near Bosphorus area whose value rose in the late Ottoman period during the 19th century.
After the World War I, the areas populated by the Greeks in Istanbul were mostly deserted; citizens of Byzantine origin migrated to Greece, Cyprus or Europe. In today’s Istanbul, there are still some Greek Orthodox citizens living in Beyoglu, Şişli, Besiktas and Adalar (Prince Islands) districts.
Greeks who lived together with the Turks during the Ottoman times for centuries have had an important impact on shaping the modern characteristic of Istanbul. Many of the restaurants, taverns and patisseries are still run by Greek citizens, adding zest to Istanbul.
Where is Istanbul Fener? Phanar Greek Orthodox Church Map
Phanar Greek Orthodox Church Map – Golden Horn Area
Further Recommended Reading:
- Great Schism Of East And West 1054
- Istanbul’s Former Jewish Quarter Balat
- Byzantine Empire Facts, Religion, Flag Art
- Byzantine Emperor Justinian Facts
- Byzantine Empire Map At Its Height
Phanar Greek Orthodox Patriarchate – St. George’s Cathedral – Fener, Istanbul 2018
Istanbul Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Blog Post By Serhat Engul
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Private Guided Tours 2018
Contact me for private guided tours of Istanbul Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
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