St. George Church, Bulgarian Orthodox church in Edirne, Turkey
St. George Church is a Bulgarian Orthodox church in Edirne with a basilica layout, open narthex, central nave, apse, and two galleries positioned above the entrance section. The building combines traditional liturgical space planning with a clear structural arrangement that guides visitors through the interior.
The church was built in 1880 after Governor Rauf Pasha obtained authorization from Sultan Abdul Hamid II. Its construction marked an important moment for Orthodox communities within the Ottoman Empire.
The interior features an ornate iconostasis dividing the nave from the sanctuary, along with a bishop's throne and traditional Bulgarian religious objects. These elements remain visible reminders of Orthodox worship practices that visitors can observe throughout the space.
The building maintains regular opening hours and houses a collection of Bulgarian cultural items, including traditional clothing and literature in its library. Visitors should note that the interior layout includes areas with specific uses that merit consideration when planning a visit.
The building fell into disrepair during the 1940s but underwent complete restoration and reopened to visitors afterward. The renovation preserved the original structure while incorporating modern standards for daily operation.
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