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Churches and synagogues Istanbul, which was previously dominated by paganism, was introduced to Christianity in the fourth century and churches began to be built after that period. The first churches built in Istanbul are Havariyyun Church, St. Sophia and St. Irini. Many churches were built in Istanbul until the time of conquest. The churches were divided to many different sects and religious orders such as Nesturianism, Monophsitism, Catholic, Orthodox, Syriac, Gregorianism, Celdonism, Dominicanism, Fransiscanism. Indeed, communities of Greeks, Armenians, Latin and Genoeses had their own churches. After the conquest Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror gives freedom to the churches in their activities. There are also many churches which are known to be totally worn out from not being used or purchased to be turned into mosques. The church construction continued in Ottoman Period as well; however they were built in small regions used as holiday resorts and a Bosphorus. Churches in Beyoglu were mostly built around embassies and after 16th century. Among the most important of those are St. Maria Draperis, St. Antoine de Padoue, Latin Italian Church, Armenian-Catholic Surp Yerrortutyon Church, St. Triada, St. Louis, Terre-Sainte Spanish Church and British Embassy Church. Some of the significant churches in the Bosphorus are Bebek Greek Orthodox Ayios Haralambos Church, Ortaköy Greek Orthodox Ayios Fokas Church, Surp Levon Church in Bahariye and Kuzguncuk Greek Orthodox Ayios Pantaleymon Church. The history of the synagogues in Istanbul is as ancient as that of churches. The first synagogue known was constructed in year 318. Although they were turned into churches by force or raided during Latin invasion, synagogues continued to survive. When Istanbul was conquered, few synagogues are known to be existed, even though there are disputes on the number. Some of them are mentioned in Sultan Mehmed the Conquerors deed. In the 15th century, the number of synagogues rapidly increased with the Jewish migration to Istanbul firstly from Spain and later from other regions of Europe. The immigrants were free to build their own synagogues. Synagogues of Jewish community, who were totally free to continue their activities under the reign of Ottoman Empire, still continue their activities in Istanbul, today though are very few in number. Saint Antoine Church It is in Beyoglu, on Istiklal Street, on the left hand side from Galatasaray to Tünel. The construction began in 1906 and it was completed and opened to service in 1912. Its architect is Giulio Mongeri, who was born in Istanbul. The church which was governed by Italian priests is the greatest Catholic Church in Istanbul with the biggest number of congregation. The church which is located in the center of a courtyard is entered through the gate on the roadside between two apartment buildings which were built to provide funding for the church. The church was built by concrete, and has neogothic style. Stephan (Bulgarian) Church This church which belongs to Bulgarian minority is may be the most interesting church of Istanbul. Bulgarian residents of Ottoman Empire previously performed their religious rituals in the churches of Fener Orthodox Patriarchy. And probably under the influence of nationalism, Bulgarian people received permission from the state to have their own churches. At first, a small wooden church was built on the area between Balat, where the church is located today and Fener, by the Golden Horn coast. Later, an activity began to build a larger church. Since the ground was weak, iron frame method was preferred for being lighter, rather than concrete. The project of the church was made by Hovsep Aznavur who was an Armenian born in Istanbul. There was an international competition for the production of prefabricated parts of the church and an Austrian company named R Ph Wagner won this competition. The parts manufactured in Vienna were carried to Istanbul by vessel through the Danube River and Black Sea. It was finally situated on its present place in 1898 after a work of 1.5 years. The supporting profiles of the church was made of steel and they were covered with sheet iron sheets. All parts were joined with each other by bolt, screw nut, rivet or welding. As for the architectural style, it has neogothic and neobaroque elements. Aya Yorgi Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchy Church It is in Fener, between Sadrazam Ali Pasa Road and Incebel Street. Greek Orthodox Patriarchy is located in the yard of this church. The patriarchy was moved into Aya Yorgi, which was used as a monastery in 16th century, in 1602. From that date, it was destroyed in parts due to many causes and repaired. Last time it was greatly destroyed during the fire in 1941 and the repairs which began in 1989 was completed in 1991. The church is not a very valuable and impressive by means of architecture. However, it has very valuable things on display. The patriarch throne, which is said to have a history dating back to 5th century, three mosaic icons which is one of the rare examples in the world, a column to which Jesus is claimed to be tied and whipped and tombs of three female saints are the most important ones. Surp Krior Lusarovich Armenian Orthodox Church It is in Karaköy, Sakizcilar Street No:3. It the oldest Armenian Church in Istanbul. A text from 1360 mentions another church with the name of Surp Sarkis in the place of the present church. The present church was built in 1431. The church which has undergone repairs many times through its history was first partly then completely destroyed during the road construction between Karaköy and Tophane in 1958. After that, in 1965, it was reconstructed by Architect Bedros Zobyan a little further from its previous location. Krikor Lusarovich, which is one of the churches built in Republic period has a special place among Armenian churches with its cone-shaped dome. It is one of the few churches in Istanbul with a dome in this shape. The bell tower adjacent to the entrance has traces of classic Armenian church architecture style. In the church whose interior is adorned with the china which belonged to the destroyed church, few paintings were used for decorating purposes. The interior lighting is made by few number of narrow windows peculiar to Armenian church style. Saint Mary Syriac Kadim Church It is in Beyoglu, Karakurum Street in Tarlabasi. It is the only church in Istanbul commisioned by Syriac minority. Syriacs either borrow the other churches they use from other religious sects or they hire them. Saint Mary Church was built in 1960 by the stones brought from Mardin, the center of Syriac sect in Turkey. It is a big stone building. Apart from the church, it has sections such as administrative building and school. Anglikan Church It is in Beyoglu, Serdanekrem Street No: 83. The architect of this building, which is also known as the Crimean Church is G.E. Street. The church was built in memory of English soldiers who attended to Crimean war, and the land was provided by Sultan Abdülmecid. The construction started in 1858 and it was only completed ten years later. The church which was closed in 1971 due to its decreasing congregation was re-opened for religious use in 1991. All stone building material of the church, which has a neogothic architectural style, was brought from Malta. Neve Shalom Synagogue The synagogue is in Beyoglu Kuledibi on Büyük Hendek Road. The name which means oasis of peace was built with the restoration of a Jewish primary school. This hall was first turned into a prayer room, but was unable to be opened for use because the necessary approvals werent obtained. This approval was granted in 1949, and the project was designed by two Jewish men named Elio Ventura and Bernard Motola, recently graduated from Istanbul Technical University. Neve Synagogue was opened for religious service in 1951. Its dome carrying a chandelier of 8-ton weight, its glassware specially imported from England, and marble sections are very impressive. The synagogue which was attacked by a terrorist in 1986, was reopened to service in May 1987 with its repairs being completed. |
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