Panayia Hançerli Greek Orthodox Church
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.
Prominent Features:
- 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.
