Hagia Sophia: The Incredible History of a Museum in Istanbul. Orthodoxy in Turkey
December 9th, 2013
Today I would like to tell and show a rather extensive material about what Constantinople was like before its fall exactly 560 years ago - in 1453, when it began to be called Istanbul. I think everyone knows that Istanbul is the Byzantine Constantinople - the former capital Byzantine Empire. Now on the streets of the city you constantly stumble upon some particles of the same, once the greatest city in the world, which was called the City. True, these are very tiny particles compared to what happened here 1000 years ago - most of the medieval churches were rebuilt into mosques, as, however, ancient temples were rebuilt into churches in their time. And despite my ardent love for the East, for Islamic culture, it is incredibly interesting to find echoes of Christianity - Greek, Bulgarian, Armenian, Russian (yes, there are quite a few Russian artifacts here, for example, in the courtyard of the Patriarchate of Constantinople I found a bell cast us in Gorodets, there is a photo of it under the cut). In general, it is here, in Istanbul, that one can very clearly see how some cultures, and even not cultures, but civilizations succeeded each other, arranging a feast on the bones of the vanquished.
But before showing all the beauties of Christian Istanbul, we need to tell a little about the Byzantine Empire itself, or rather about how it ceased to exist. The possessions of Byzantium in the middle of the 15th century were not the largest - it was no longer the same Empire that we used to see in history books when studying antiquity. At the beginning of the 13th century, the city was conquered by the crusaders and for about 50 years they sat (read robbed) in Constantinople, after which they were driven out of here by the Venetians. So a few Greek islands, Constantinople itself and its suburbs - that's the whole empire. And around, the Ottomans were already living everywhere, gaining power at that time.
Constantinople tried to conquer and was besieged by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid, but the invasion of Timur distracted him from this great undertaking.
The city at that time lay only in the European part of present-day Istanbul and was very well fenced with a powerful wall. It was problematic to swim into it from the sea because of the current, and the only more or less possible place of approach was the Golden Horn Bay. The Ottomans, led by Mehmed II, took advantage of this.
Plan of Constantinople
Constantinople at the time of its fall
And for more than five and a half centuries greatest city world, Tsargrad, as our ancestors called it, is under Turkish rule. Constantine was the last of the Roman emperors. With the death of Constantine XI, the Byzantine Empire ceased to exist. Its lands became part of the Ottoman state.
The Sultan granted the Greeks the rights of a self-governing community within the empire, and the Patriarch of Constantinople, responsible to the Sultan, was to be at the head of the community. The sultan himself, considering himself the successor of the Byzantine emperor, took the title of Kaiser-i Rum (Caesar of Rome). This title was worn by the Turkish sultans until the end of the First World War. By the way, there was no special looting (for example, what the Turks did in Smyrna already in the 20th century), despite the deaf Middle Ages, in the city there was no - Mehmed far-sightedly forbade his subjects to destroy the city.
Siege of Constantinople
Here is what is left of the walls of Theodosius, in some places they are being restored, but Mehmed knew what he was doing - he destroyed for sure, although the main blow, of course, came from the bay 
All churches after the conquest were rebuilt into mosques very in a simple way- the removal of the cross and the erection of the crescent, the addition of minarets.
Despite everything that happened, many Christians remained in the city: Greeks, Bulgarians, Armenians, and they built their buildings, some of which I will show below.
For example, the building of the Greek Lyceum, which does not fit into urban architecture at all, but serves as an excellent landmark in Phanar and Balat 
The first Christian basilica on this site was erected at the beginning of the 4th century on the site of the ruins of the ancient temple of Aphrodite under the Roman Emperor Constantine and was the main temple of the city before the construction of Hagia Sophia. In May - July 381, meetings of the Second Ecumenical Council were held in it.
In 346, over 3,000 people died near the temple due to religious differences. In 532, during the Nika rebellion, the church was burned down and then rebuilt under Justinian in 532. The church was badly damaged by an earthquake in 740, after which it was mostly rebuilt. Figured mosaics perished in the era of iconoclasm; on the site of the traditional Savior of the Almighty in the conch, a mosaic cross flaunts.
After the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was not converted into a mosque and significant changes were made to it. appearance didn't happen. Thanks to this, to this day, the Church of St. Irene is the only church in the city that has retained its original atrium (a spacious high room at the entrance to the church).
During the XV-XVIII centuries, the church was used by the Ottomans as an armory, and starting from 1846, the temple was turned into an Archaeological Museum. In 1869, the Church of St. Irene was transformed into the Imperial Museum. A few years later, in 1875, due to insufficient space, its exhibits were moved to the Tiled Pavilion. Finally, in 1908, the Military Museum was opened in the church. Today, the church of St. Irene serves as a concert hall and you just can’t get into it. 
Despite the fact that today Istanbul is one of the busiest centers of the Muslim world, for all Orthodox Christians it was and remains the cradle of Orthodoxy, the city from which Orthodoxy came to Russia, and after the fall of Byzantium, it was Russia that became the successor of the center of Orthodoxy in the world.
That is why in Istanbul Orthodox shrines are respected and their history is carefully treated. We are pleased to invite you on a tour of the Orthodox shrines of Istanbul.
Many churches, which the Byzantine Empire was famous for, adorn the earth today, although many of them have since become mosques.
A vivid example of this is the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which was originally built as an Orthodox church, and then became a mosque today Hagia Sophia is a museum that is one of the most stunning masterpieces of medieval architecture. Sophia churches in Novgorod and Kyiv were built on the model of this majestic cathedral.
After Constantinople fell to Sultan Mehmed II, Hagia Sophia became a mosque, and believers from all over the state flocked to this main mosque of the Ottoman capital for almost five centuries in a row.
Another Orthodox shrine in Istanbul is the Church of St. Irene, which was built in the fourth century on the site of the Temple of Aphrodite. This place is notable for the fact that the First Ecumenical Council in the history of the world was held here. The building of the church has survived to this day, and in almost the same form in which it was built. This is a unique architectural structure, which has no analogues in the world.
In modern Istanbul, the Church of the Blachernae Mother of God, built in the fifth century, is a landmark building for all Orthodox Christians. The fact is that the church was erected over a source that had unique healing properties. In addition, it was in this church that part of the belt was kept. Holy Mother of God, chasuble and head cover.
This is just a part of the Orthodox heritage that Istanbul inherited from Constantinople. We invite you to see these holy places with your own eyes.
- The cost of accompanying a guide during the tour for a group of up to 4 people - 290$
- Entrance tickets, food and drinks are paid SEPARATELY
- The cost for larger (smaller) groups, please specify separately
The One Day Church (Temple of the Fulfillment of Wishes) in Istanbul attracts many visitors. But this is not the only shrine in the Turkish capital that attracts pilgrims. Many religious objects are worthy of a detailed acquaintance.
Orthodox shrines are the object of visiting pilgrims. Traditions and legends are associated with many places. People come here with the hope of begging protection and protection from the Higher Powers, bowing to the saints and asking for the fulfillment of their innermost desires.
Church of the Keys
One of these places is the Church of the Keys (it is also the Temple of the Fulfillment of Desires and the Temple of One Day).
The date of construction of the monastery has not been established, but the legend says that back in the 18th century, a merchant's daughter had a prophetic dream. The Virgin Mary showed the girl a place in the garden where a healing spring would flow.
The family, having discovered the key that beats in the garden, erected a church. Since then, every person who has visited these places has had their innermost desire come true.
The best time to visit is the first of every month. People believe that it is on this day that a wish will come true without fail.
Inside are old images, they are also credited with magic power. The icons are placed in special cases with a lock. The pilgrim must acquire a key from constipation, open the salary, kiss the face. This is the guarantor of the fulfillment of the sacred.
Important! People of all faiths come here. Wishes are granted regardless of religious affiliation.
Saint Irene
The oldest building, located on the territory of the Topkapi palace ensemble. There is an opinion that the monastery was built on the site of the temple of Aphrodite. It is made in the form of a cross; the preserved mosaic interiors are noteworthy.
Virgin of Blachernae
They belong to the monuments of the 5th century. The Robe of the Mother of God was brought here. Since then, this place has become a pilgrimage site.
It expanded under each ruler, palace buildings, monks' cloisters, and church buildings were erected in the neighborhood. Believers attribute the salvation of the capital from enemies to the intercession of the Virgin. The saint is the main object of worship.
Saints Sergius and Bacchus
The monastery, which has survived to this day, was erected during the reign of Justinian I. Sophia Cathedral was made in the likeness of this object.
It was converted into a mosque, a minaret was attached (the era of the Ottoman Empire). Served as a refuge for refugees (Balkan War). Included in the list of protected sites of UNESCO.
Christ the Savior
Monument of the Byzantine period. The date of construction is called the 2nd century. Preserved due to the fact that the object during the conquests was turned into a mosque. Now there are museum exhibits.
Saint John the Baptist
The smallest monastery in the city. Height - 15 meters. The date of construction is considered to be the 11th century. After the conquest of the lands by the Ottomans, it was converted into a mosque.
Needs restoration. It does not work.
Holy Trinity
The style is neo-baroque with neo-gothic elements. The interiors were handled by S. Megaklis and A. Krikelis. Refurbished in the middle of this century.
Saint Demetrius
There is a spring in the cave near the object (Kurucheshme district). Pilgrims endow him with magical powers. It is believed that a saint was tortured here, in whose honor the monastery was erected.
Saint Stephen
St. Stephen's Church in Istanbul has a difficult fate. The first wooden structure was damaged by fires. Then they built a cast iron structure (late 19th century).
This object was handed over to the Bulgarian Orthodox community. Refurbished in 2018. The opening took place with the participation of the ruling parties of Turkey and Bulgaria. Now it is a working monastery. Symbol of friendship between countries.
Saint Mary of Mongolia
Never been a mosque. The Ottomans did not touch the structure. There is an opinion that the ruler Mehmed II left the shrine in gratitude for the construction of the Fatih Mosque.
Divine services have always been held here. All the icons of the city were brought here. It works even now.
Saint Panteleimon
It is located on the roof of a high-rise building (Karakoy district). The only temple belonging to the Russian Orthodox Church. The parishioners are Russian-speaking citizens.
Visiting Rules
When visiting holy places, follow the rules:
- Only closed clothes are allowed to enter.
- You can not make noise, interfere with those praying.
- It is forbidden to smoke, drink alcohol.
That is, the same rules apply as when visiting all holy places. Respect the feelings of believers and do not offend the unworthy behavior of pilgrims.
Excursions
Russian-language tours are organized around the Orthodox churches in Istanbul.
Temples have a complex and interesting story, about shrines, traditions and legends are composed. Each object is distinguished by luxurious decoration and rare, miraculous icons. The guide will give you more details. The walk will turn into an exciting and useful event.
Orthodox Istanbul
Mighty Constantinople, the capital of the emperors, is the greatest city in the world. Orthodox Istanbul is what has been preserved about it over the centuries of Turkish rule. It will be discussed in this article.
Hagia Sophia, built in just the period from 532 to 537, has become a symbol of Orthodoxy. Ambassadors came here from St. equal to ap. Prince Vladimir, who conveyed to him enthusiastic words: “We don’t know whether we were on Earth or in Heaven.” Byzantine emperors were crowned here, and St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga. Orthodox Istanbul is the stronghold of Christianity in Turkey, and Hagia Sophia is its heart.
Almost on the shore of the Golden Horn Bay is the Greek Patriarchate. In the adjacent Cathedral of St. vmch. George, pilgrims can venerate the part of the column to which the Savior was chained during the scourging, the relics of Sts. John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian. Here you can also pray at the mosaic icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, taken by the holy Empress Helen from Jerusalem.
Particularly close to the Russian heart is the courtyard of the St. Panteleimon Monastery in the ancient Karakoy district of Istanbul. From the huge building, wholly owned by the farmstead, now there is only a temple and a refectory at the very top of a multi-storey building. Thousands of people forced to leave Russia in 1917-1922 found shelter and all possible assistance here. The Orthodox community, although not numerous, remains here in our time. The priests who arrived from Saint Athos hold regular services. Those who wish can submit notes to the St. Panteleimon Monastery on Athos.
On the temple on the northern outskirts of the old city rested the miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos - Blachernae. It was here that the miracle of the Intercession took place, when in 626 the Patriarch and the inhabitants of Constantinople prayed in tears before the image of the Most Holy Theotokos for deliverance from the invasion. After the prayer, the great shrine - the Most Pure Robe - was dipped into the waters of the Golden Horn. The weather was sunny, but suddenly a barely noticeable and rapidly approaching cloud appeared on the horizon. Soon a furious storm began, scattering all enemy ships. Now a new temple has been built here, while an ancient source has been preserved where you can draw holy water.
Another holy spring of Istanbul is located in the temple, which is called the Life-Giving Spring. It has been known since the 5th century. According to legend, a Byzantine warrior named Leo wandered in despair through the forests that grew in this area. He was oppressed by lack of money and the uncertainty of his own fate. Here he met a blind old man who asked Leo for water. Stepping aside a little, the warrior, burdened with heavy thoughts, discovered a source with surprisingly clean and tasty water. Having drunk the old man, Leo received a revelation that he should not complain about fate, for he would soon become emperor. And so it happened - from a simple soldier, Leo, with God's help, became the ruler of the Byzantine Empire. Many pilgrims sought to visit this temple, hoping for the help of the Savior. You can follow their example now - the source exists, and the water in it does not dry out.
One of the most ancient monuments of Istanbul, the column of Emperor St. Constantine the Great. It was erected around 330 and is thus the same age as Constantinople. Initially, a golden statue of the emperor towered on it, but in 1106, as a result of a severe hurricane, the statue collapsed down. Then a golden cross was raised to the top of the column, but it also suffered a sad fate. In 1204, during the destruction of Constantinople by the crusaders, the precious cross disappeared. According to legend, the great shrines of the Orthodox world were hidden under the column: the ax with which Noah made the Ark, as well as several baskets of bread - left over after the miraculous multiplication of bread by the Savior.
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) is a mosque in the center of Istanbul, the largest and the only mosque with six minarets in the city. As a monument of Islamic and world architecture and culture, it is a popular landmark and symbol of Istanbul. Together with the Hagia Sophia and other monuments, it forms a magnificent architectural ensemble on the central square of the city - Sultanahmet.
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) is a mosque in the center of Istanbul, the largest and the only mosque with six minarets in the city. Like a memorial...
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