Panayia Elpida Greek Orthodox Church
Changes After Construction:
- The church, whose initial construction date is unknown, was rebuilt in 1652 after a fire.
- Because the structure of 1652 was damaged, the church was rebuilt in 1895.
- The inscriptions state that the architect of the structure was Vasilios Tsilenis and that thanks were given to the patriarch of the period.
- It is recorded that the school to the northeast of the church complex ended its educational activity in 1957.
- It is stated that the congregation of the church diminished because of the ruptures of the 20th century.
Prominent Features:
- The church belongs to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul.
- The structure is also known as “Kumkapı Ayia Panayia Elpida Greek Orthodox Church” and “Panayia Elpida Church.”
- The structure is arranged on the east–west axis with a Greek cross plan; the central dome covering the naos rises on a high drum, and the transition to the dome is provided by pendentives.
- The dome is carried by two piers and two columns; there are two bell towers on the north and south of the structure.
- With its cut-stone mass and decorated bell towers, it is regarded as one of the prominent examples of eclectic architecture in post-Tanzimat Istanbul.
- It is located within a courtyard enclosed by high walls; it is recorded that there is a holy spring in the courtyard.
