Changes After Construction
The church, built in the 16th century, was rebuilt in the 18th century after a fire.
The structure underwent restoration in 1843, 1877, 1912, and 1992.
Within the complex is the Ayios Menas holy spring.
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The church belongs to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul.
The structure is also known as Balatkapı Panagia Balinou and Balat Balino.
It has a rectangular basilical plan; it has a three-aisled naos and is arranged on the east–west axis.
Its spatial arrangement consists of the narthex and the naos; the upper covering is a wooden roof and has been described as a hipped roof sloping in two directions.
According to legend, the water of the holy spring is accepted as having healing and “miraculous” qualities; the holy spring tradition holds an important place in the folk culture of Istanbul.
