Syriac Ancient Virgin Mary Church

The Virgin Mary Church, rising on Karakorum Street in Tarlabaşı, Beyoğlu, is the only church built by Syriacs in Istanbul, which hosts the Istanbul-Ankara Metropolitanate of the Syriac Orthodox Church. According to the Syriac Kadim Church sources, it is said that the church land was purchased by the Syriac Community in the 19th century, and according to Armenian sources, there was a church here between 1650 and 1780. Although there was uncertainty between the Armenians and Syriacs over the ownership rights of the church for a while, the church was rebuilt in 1863 and accepted as a common place of worship.

The existence of today's Istanbul Syriacs dates back to the 1830s. The Syriacs, who began to migrate to the western regions of Anatolia, decided to stay in Istanbul, especially as a center of trade and industry. This decision to settle was encouraged by the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, İlyas Hindî II, in 1841.

The current building of the church was started to be built by the Assyrians in 1961 and opened for worship in 1964. It is possible to come across beautiful examples of Mardin stonework in the church. Especially the wreath-decorated spiral column capitals are eye-catching parts of the structure. In addition to the church, there are also administration and school sections in the structure.

The church was registered as a 1st degree urban site in 2003 and later the structure was renovated after 3 years of work and opened on May 28, 2006 by the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church at the time, Moran Mor Ignatios I. Zekka Ayvaz.

The Assyrians, who have a very colorful ritual tradition, are the only Christian sect that continues the prayer worship with rakat, qiyam, recitation and prostration today. They have holidays and worship days in the form of commemorating Jesus, Mary, saints and saints.

Photo Source: https://www.suryanikadim.org/vakif.aspx & Google Photos