Changes After Construction
In the decree dated 1730, the structure was recorded as the church named “Meryem Ana” located in Arabacılar Square near Tekfur Palace.
According to its inscription, the church was rebuilt in 1837.
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The church belongs to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Istanbul.
The structure is also known as “Panayia Hançeriotissa Greek Church” and “Arabacı Meydan Church.”
The complex is arranged within a courtyard enclosed by high walls.
The Ayia Paraskevi holy spring is associated with the church complex.
There is an iron bell tower in the courtyard.
The church has a three-aisled basilical plan and is positioned on the east–west axis.
On the exterior facades, a rough stone masonry and plaster arrangement is seen; the upper covering is described as a hipped roof with wooden supports and tile covering.
The narthex has a rectangular plan; on the east, there is a semicircular apse on the interior.
Between the aisles are square-section wooden supports; the gallery level is reached by the staircases in the narthex.
There is a record of a wall fountain associated with the church.
According to legend, when a merchant damaged the icon of the Virgin Mary with a dagger, blood spurted from the icon; after this, the merchant had the church built.
