Balıklı Meryem Ana Greek Orthodox Monastery
Changes After Construction:
- The early church and monastery structure disappeared in the first half of the 15th century; visits to the ayazma (holy spring) continued.
- In 1727, a small chapel was built over the ayazma.
- The monastery church was rebuilt in the 1833–1835 period.
- The building was heavily damaged and burned during the events of 6–7 September 1955; it was later repaired.
Prominent Features:
- The church belongs to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul.
- The building is identified by the name “Zoodochos Pege” (Life-Giving Spring) and by the holy water source associated with the “Balıklı Ayazması.”
- It is recorded that gravestones, partly in Karamanlidika and partly in Greek, were used as paving in the courtyard.
- There is a cemetery area within the complex containing the graves/sarcophagi of patriarchs.
- According to legend, when news of the capture of the city in 1453 arrived, the fish being fried came to life and leapt into the water; this narrative is associated with the name “Balıklı” (of the fish).
