{"id":1723,"date":"2014-10-15T14:20:13","date_gmt":"2014-10-15T11:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.turkeytravelcentre.com\/blog\/?p=1723"},"modified":"2025-12-12T00:30:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T21:30:23","slug":"4-christian-sites-istanbul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.turkeytravelcentre.com\/blog\/4-christian-sites-istanbul\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Christian Sites in Istanbul"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the former capital of Byzantium, old Constantinople was an important center of the Christian religion that at one stage even threated to topple Rome. Despite the hundreds of years that have passed during that time, many Christian and iconic buildings are still standing. As the Turkish<\/a> government looks to emphasize religious tourism in the country, the importance of these buildings is more highlighted than ever before. Let\u2019s take a look at five examples.<\/p>\n

Christian Sites and Places in Istanbul<\/h2>\n

Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul<\/h3>\n

During the reign of Emperor Constantine over Constantinople<\/a>, its religious capital became the Fener Patriarchate or the Greek\/Ecumenical Patriarchate. Although Christianity may have been taken over during the fall of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II ordered for the restoration of the Patriarchate.<\/p>\n

It still holds significance up to this day, being the recognized global headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church. A visit to the Fener Patriarchate will let you see artifacts and relics\u00a0 of religious importance. Dedicated to Saint George,<\/a> it is open every day but strict screening of visitors takes place.<\/p>\n

Hagia Sophia Museum<\/h3>\n

The Hagia Sophia Museum was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty and historical significance. It dates back to the year 360, having been rebuilt and renovated over the years, with its function evolving from an Orthodox Church to an Islam Mosque and to its current state, a world-renowned museum.<\/p>\n

The rectangular structure of the Hagia Sophia boasts of elaborate Byzantine architecture that is the best of that era. Its magnitude of size is complemented by the intricacy of its edifice and its religious mosaics, some of which were stolen in the 1204 Latin invasion and damaged in the 1894 earthquake.<\/p>\n

St. Savior in Chora<\/h3>\n

The Church of St. Savior in Chora is one of the most exquisite monuments during the Palaelogos Dynasty. It was in 4th<\/sup> century when the first church was built in the site although the structure that stands now was built in 11th<\/sup> century while its adornments and embellishments were finished only in the 14th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n

Its outside appearance may look plain albeit imposing, but once you get inside, you\u2019ll be welcomed by marble covered walls and magnificent mosaics. The mosaics are elaborate depictions of significant religious events such as the Nativity, the Massacre of the Innocents ordered by King Herod and the Death of the Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n

Hagia Eirene<\/h3>\n

The Hagia Eirene is found inside the Topkapi Palace complex and holds a historical and religious significance. Records hold that the Hagia Eirene was the first Christian church built in Constantinople, dating back to the 6th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n

Even when it was taken over by the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Eirene was spared from being turned into a mosque unlike its Byzantine contemporaries. However, it was turned into an armory during the Turkish<\/a> period. At present, it is open to the public as a museum and possibly its most interesting feature is the 8th<\/sup> century mosaic of a rather melancholy black cross against a gold background.<\/p>\n

3 More articles about religious sites in Turkey<\/h4>\n