Istanbul Phanar Greek Orthodox Church
History of Istanbul Fener Greek Orthodox Church and College
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 Church 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 nearby The Golden Horn.
Church of St. George – Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Istanbul
Church of St. George Within Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
Istanbul Fener Greek Orthodox Church
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.
Istanbul Fener Greek Orthodox College
Phanar Greek Orthodox College – Former School of Theology
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.
Istanbul Greek Orthodox 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.
Beautiful Icon Wall in the Church of St. George
Church of St. George in Fener Istanbul
Icons & Relics in St. George’s Cathedral
Holy Icons of St. George’s Cathedral
St. John Crysostom & St. Gregory the Theologian
John Crysostom & St. Gregory the Theologian
Relics of 3 Remarkable Women
Relics of 3 Remarkable Women
Current Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I
His Holiness Bartholomew. Picture: Bülent Kılıç.
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.
Old Houses of Greek Comunity in Fener
Old Houses of Greek Comunity in Istanbul’s Fener
Old Houses of Balat Neighborhood Istanbul
Wooden Houses from Ottoman Istanbul
Fener Greek Orthodox Church Location Map
Phanar Greek Orthodox Church Map – Golden Horn Area
Featured Article: Istanbul Fener Balat Walking Tour
Further Recommended Reading:
- Off The Beaten Path Istanbul Fener Balat
- 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
Istanbul Fener Greek Orthodox Church Blog Post By Serhat Engul
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