Church of St. Mary of the Mongols, Eastern Orthodox church building in Fener, Istanbul, Turkey
The Church of St. Mary of the Mongols is a Byzantine church positioned on a hilltop above the Golden Horn in Fener, surrounded by high walls that shield it from the surrounding streets. The structure displays typical Byzantine construction with stone walls, small windows, and a modest entrance hidden behind larger gates.
An emperor's daughter founded the original church in the 7th century on land that previously served as a burial ground. After Istanbul's conquest in 1453, this church remained in Christian hands while many others in the city were converted to mosques.
The interior features icons and ancient frescoes that line the walls, creating a visual record of Christian devotion over many centuries. These artworks help visitors understand how worship has continued in the same space across generations.
Access requires pressing a button on the outer gate, as staff members control entry and admit visitors only at certain times. It helps to walk around the area first to locate the church building and understand its position behind the protective walls.
This is the only Byzantine church in Istanbul that has served continuously for Christian worship since before 1453 and was never converted to a mosque. This unbroken continuity of religious practice within the same walls spans more than 15 centuries.
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