Armenians in Turkey, National minority in Istanbul, Turkey
The Armenian minority in Turkey is a community of approximately 60,000 members concentrated mainly in Istanbul, operating multiple schools, churches, and hospitals. The Patriarchate in Istanbul serves as the primary religious and administrative center for the Orthodox Armenian population.
The Armenian population in Turkey was drastically reduced through the events of 1915 and subsequent population movements, declining from about 2 million to today's numbers. Despite these changes, the remaining community maintained its institutions and cultural structures.
The Armenian community preserves its identity through Armenian-language newspapers, traditional religious ceremonies, and schools that teach Western Armenian. These cultural practices remain visible in daily life, particularly in Istanbul's neighborhoods where the community is concentrated.
The centers of the Armenian community are located mainly in central Istanbul, where churches, schools, and organizations are accessible to visitors. You can explore these sites independently, though you should check the visiting hours of religious buildings.
Vakifli in Hatay Province remains the last Armenian village in Turkey, where residents continue agricultural practices and maintain local customs. This village shows how Armenian culture persists beyond the urban centers.
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