Aya Dimitri Greek Orthodox Church

audio narration:

construction year:

1789

location:

Beşiktaş, İstanbul

ordered by:

Unknown

architect:

Saniotis

Changes After Construction:
  • There is information indicating that the dome collapsed during the construction process, after which the roof was rebuilt by order of Sultan Selim III.
  • There is information indicating that the building underwent repairs in 1832.
Prominent Features:
  • The church belongs to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul.
  • The building has a basilical plan; in the naos, the aisles are separated by rows of columns.
  • To the north of the church is the Ayios Dimitrios Holy Spring; its water is believed to have healing properties.
  • Some accounts relay Eremya Çelebi’s emphasis on the “miracles” of the holy spring in the church.
  • Some sources write that, on the site of this church, there had been a theological school that was moved to Heybeliada in 1804.