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Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols: A Hidden Byzantine Gem in Istanbul

For travelers fascinated by Byzantine history and those eager to discover hidden cultural landmarks, the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols in Istanbul’s Fener district is a remarkable site worth exploring. This centuries-old church stands out as the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that was never converted into a mosque, preserving its original function from the late 13th century to the present day.

Walking through the narrow, historic streets of Fener, this unassuming yet historically rich church is a true hidden gem for those looking to step off the beaten path and immerse themselves in the city’s layered past.

A Journey Through History: The Story of Saint Mary of the Mongols

The Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols (Meryem Ana Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi) has an extraordinary backstory tied to imperial politics, Mongol alliances, and Byzantine resilience.

The church was founded in the late 13th century by Maria Palaiologina, daughter of Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. Maria was married to Abaqa Khan, the ruler of the Mongol Ilkhanate, as part of a political alliance between the Byzantines and the Mongols. However, after Abaqa Khan’s death, Maria returned to Constantinople (now Istanbul) and decided to dedicate herself to religion and charity.

She established a monastery and church complex, originally known as Theotokos Panagiotissa, which later became popularly referred to as the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols due to her connections to the Mongol Empire.

The Church’s Unique Survival

Unlike many Byzantine churches in Istanbul, which were converted into mosques following the Ottoman conquest in 1453, the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols remained a Christian place of worship.

This is largely thanks to a special decree by Mehmed the Conqueror, granting the Greek Orthodox community the right to continue using the church. This rare and exceptional status makes the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that has continuously served as a church since its foundation.

Architectural Beauty & Interior Highlights

While not as grand as some of Istanbul’s other Byzantine churches, the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols holds great historical and artistic value.

Exterior Features

• The church is built with red brick, earning it the nickname “Kanlı Kilise” (The Bloody Church) in Turkish.
• Unlike the Hagia Sophia or Chora Church, this church is smaller and more intimate, giving it a uniquely personal feel.

Interior Highlights

• Byzantine Icons & Religious Artifacts: The church houses several original icons from the 13th and 14th centuries, preserving Byzantine artistic traditions.
• The Theotokos Mosaic: A stunning 11th-century mosaic of the Virgin Mary, one of the few surviving mosaics from the Byzantine period.
• Traditional Orthodox Layout: The interior maintains its Byzantine character, with a small dome and classical Orthodox church design.

While the church is not always open to visitors, those who enter will experience a rare, preserved piece of Byzantine spirituality in modern Istanbul.

How to Visit the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols

Location

📍 Tevkii Cafer Mektebi Sokak No:1, Fener, Fatih, Istanbul

The church is located in Fener, one of Istanbul’s most historic districts. It is near the famous Phanar Greek Orthodox College, an impressive red-brick school building that dominates the neighborhood skyline.

How to Get There

🚇 By Metro: Take the M2 metro line to Haliç Station, then walk 15 minutes.
🚋 By Tram: Take the T1 tram line to Eminönü and walk 20 minutes or take a short taxi ride.
🚌 By Bus: Several buses from Eminönü stop near Fener.

Entry & Visiting Tips

• The church is not always open to the public. To visit, ring the doorbell at the gate, and if a caretaker is available, they may allow entry.
• It is recommended to go during the morning or early afternoon on weekdays when there’s a better chance of finding someone to grant access.
• Since it is an active place of worship, visitors should dress modestly and be respectful inside.

Why Visit the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols?

🌍 A Hidden Gem of Byzantine Istanbul – While many visitors flock to Hagia Sophia or Chora Church, this church remains less crowded and more intimate, offering a rare glimpse into Byzantium’s religious heritage.

🏛 The Only Byzantine Church That Was Never a Mosque – This unique distinction makes it an essential visit for history lovers.

🎭 Located in the Charming Fener District – The streets of Fener are full of colorful houses, historic Greek Orthodox buildings, and local cafés, making for a wonderful day of exploration.

🎨 Original Byzantine Icons & Art – The church retains elements of its medieval artistic and spiritual heritage, giving visitors an authentic experience of Byzantine Orthodox traditions.

🔍 Perfect for Byzantine & Orthodox History Enthusiasts – If you’re passionate about Byzantine history, Orthodox Christianity, or medieval architecture, this church is a must-see.

Final Thoughts

The Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols is one of Istanbul’s most underrated historical treasures. Despite its small size, its remarkable history, architectural beauty, and spiritual atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for travelers who love discovering hidden corners of history.

If you’re exploring Istanbul’s Fener district, take the time to find this Byzantine-era sanctuary, ring the bell, and step into a rare piece of Constantinople’s past that still stands today.

📜 Step into history, explore the legacy of Byzantium, and experience one of Istanbul’s last surviving Byzantine churches! 🏛✨

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Moğolların Meryemi Kilisesi: İstanbul’un Saklı Bizans Hazinesi

Fener semtinde saklı bir Bizans hazinesi olan Moğolların Meryemi Kilisesi, hiç camiye çevrilmemiş tek Bizans kilisesi olmasıyla İstanbul’daki en özel tarihi mekanlardan biridir.

📍 İstanbul’un Fener bölgesinde yer alan bu kilise, Bizans tarihi meraklıları ve farklı yerleri keşfetmeyi seven gezginler için benzersiz bir durak.

Tarihçesi: Moğollar ve Bizans İmparatorluğu’nun Kesişimi

• 13. yüzyılda Bizans İmparatoru VIII. Mihail Palaiologos’un kızı Maria Palaiologina tarafından yaptırılmıştır.
• Maria, Moğol hükümdarı Abaka Han ile evlenmiş, ancak eşinin ölümünden sonra Konstantinopolis’e dönerek manastır kurmuştur.
• 1453 İstanbul’un Fethi’nden sonra camiye çevrilmeyen tek Bizans kilisesidir.

Ziyaret Rehberi

📍 Adres: Tevkii Cafer Mektebi Sokak No:1, Fener, Fatih

🚶 Nasıl Gidilir?

• T1 Tramvayı ile Eminönü’nden Fener’e yürüyerek ulaşabilirsiniz.
• Metro ile Haliç durağında inip 15 dakika yürüyebilirsiniz.

⏰ Ziyaret Saatleri:

• Kilise genellikle halka açık değildir, ancak girişteki zili çalarak içeriyi görmek için izin isteyebilirsiniz.