Bogdan Saray, Byzantine chapel in Fatih district, Istanbul, Turkey
Bogdan Saray is a small Byzantine chapel from the 14th century built with alternating bands of brick and stone. The structure features a five-sided altar space and was constructed on two levels, with an underground crypt designed for burial.
The chapel was built in the 14th century as a burial chapel during Byzantine rule in Istanbul. Later it was incorporated into the Moldavian embassy compound before losing its religious purpose.
The chapel served as a burial place where families came to honor their deceased in private moments. The space held deep meaning as a site of remembrance and family devotion.
The surviving remains of the chapel are now hidden beneath a modern building located near the Chora Church. Visiting requires advance planning due to the site's limited public accessibility.
Three stone sarcophagi were originally buried beneath the floor, revealing clues about wealthy families who chose this chapel for their final rest. German archaeologists discovered inscriptions and evidence of its importance during excavations in 1918.
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