Surp Pirgiç Catholic Church, Armenian Catholic church in Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Turkey.
Surp Pirgiç is an Armenian Catholic church in Karaköy with a two-story main building whose western facade resembles a temple structure. The interior contains five distinct altars, including one featuring an ornately framed representation of the Virgin Mary.
The church was built between 1832 and 1834 following a direct edict from Ottoman Sultan Mahmud II that authorized its construction. It became one of the first Armenian Catholic places of worship established in this part of Istanbul.
The church serves as a gathering place for Istanbul's Armenian Catholic community and remains central to their spiritual life. Visitors can observe how this tight-knit group maintains its religious traditions within the broader city.
The building sits in a densely built neighborhood, so space is tight, but its location in Karaköy is easily accessible by public transport. Visitors should wear respectful clothing and check opening times, as the church is primarily active for worship services.
The interior walls are covered with commemorative inscriptions that preserve the history and names of believers. These personal traces give the space a quality that extends beyond typical architectural features.
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