Aya Todori Greek Orthodox Church

audio narration:

construction year:

1830

location:

Fatih, İstanbul

ordered by:

Unknown

architect:

Unknown

Changes After Construction:
  • After an earlier structure was destroyed in the fire of 1645, the church was rebuilt with the permission of Sultan Ibrahim I.
  • The inscription above the entrance pediment on the west façade shows that the building was rebuilt on December 20, 1830, after another fire.
  • A bell tower was added to the church courtyard after the construction of the building and after 1856.
  • Because of the ruptures experienced in the 20th century, the congregation became smaller; despite this, the church remained open for worship.
Prominent Features:
  • The church belongs to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul.
  • The building is also known by the names Hagioi Theodoroi and Aytodori.
  • The church is dedicated to Saint Theodoros; in the sources, this dedication is associated with Saint Theodoros of Edessa.
  • The building is situated within a large courtyard enclosed by high walls; within the courtyard there are a school and administrative/social units affiliated with the church.
  • In the courtyard there is the Agion Theodoron Holy Spring; the holy spring was commissioned as a vow offering by a benefactor.
  • The church is oriented east-west and has a three-aisled basilica plan; the central aisle is separated from the side aisles by rows of columns.
  • The capitals of the columns forming the aisles are of the Corinthian order, and the column shafts are painted green.
  • On the east there is a projecting semicircular apse; the gallery is reached by the stairs to the north of the narthex.
  • The wooden iconostasis is decorated with relief vegetal motifs; the ambo and the despot’s throne are arranged in a similar style.