„Rooftop churches“, which were built on the roofs of inns built for the accommodation of Russians traveling to Jerusalem in the late 1800s, still open their doors to those who want to worship.
Istanbul, known by many names throughout the ages, became one of the cities that received the most immigration after it was opened to settlement during the Roman Empire. The city, which has a place on the world’s agenda with its location as a bridge between the Middle East and Europe, its Bosphorus called the „pearl“, its history dating back thousands of years and its non-stop life 24/7, has been the capital of three civilizations since the day it was founded.Many places of worship have been opened in Istanbul, which has become a cosmopolitan city where different nations live together, thanks to immigration from all over the world. The city, where mosques, churches and synagogues are located side by side, has become the „World Capital“ by hosting all religions and cultures. The city, which is a transit point due to its location, has also become a breathing point for travelers from time to time.For this purpose, churches were built on the roofs of the inns built in the 19th century in Karaköy, Beyoğlu district. These „rooftop churches“, which are unnoticed by those passing through the streets but can be seen from a bird’s eye view, shed light on the history of the city and continue to host members who want to worship. In these roof churches, which still exist today, services are held every Sunday and on religious holidays.The monks of Mount Athos Monastery in Greece built inns in Karaköy in the late 1800s for those who went to Mount Athos and Russian Orthodox people who went to Jerusalem as pilgrims and for trade to take a break and rest. „Room“ churches were built on the roofs of these inns so that the Russians staying there could pray. The churches named „Aya Andrea“, „Aya Panteleimon“ and „Aya Ilia“ became places where the Russians who came to stay prayed.These structures, also known as „roof churches“ and „apartment churches“ because they are located on the attic floors of inns, also opened their doors to those fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution that took place in Russia on October 25, 1917. Those who came to Istanbul to escape the revolution performed their worship in these „roof churches“.One of the churches, „Aya Ilia“, was closed in the 1970s. „Aya Andrea“ and „Aya Panteleymon“ churches, which have become one of the interesting structures of the Karaköy district, have been opening their doors for worship to Orthodox people of different nationalities coming from many countries for 130 years.There are cross symbols on the blue painted walls of the „Aya Andrea“ church, located on the fifth floor of the inn, which was built to be used for accommodation purposes. Artifacts related to the history of the building are exhibited in the museum opened in a part of it. Photographs of worshipers over the years adorn the walls at the entrance of the church.In the church, which is the size of a room, services are held every week on Sundays and on religious holidays. Prayers are said in Russian and Turkish during the services. After the service, the church community has breakfast together. The Russian Orthodox church, which is affiliated with the Fener Greek Patriarchate, can also be visited between 09.00 and 17.00, except Tuesdays. Additionally, those who attend church services and visit must dress appropriately for places of worship, and women must wear headscarves.Lina Kılıç, a Russian national who came to Turkey from Latvia in 1992 and lives in Istanbul, said that she has been worshiping at Hagia Andrea Church for 31 years. Stating that the church has not closed its doors since its establishment in 1888, Kılıç said that everyone was surprised that there was a church on top of the building.Kılıç noted that the walls of the church were decorated with paintings drawn by painter Nikolai Konstantinovich Perov in 1928. Noting that when you look at it, it is clear that this is a Russian church, Kılıç said that he knows everyone who comes to the church. Lina Kılıç explained that not only Russians worship in the church, but also people from Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, and people from different nationalities, including Gagauz, Georgians and Turks, come to worship.
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The article discusses the presence of „rooftop churches“ in Istanbul, which were built on the roofs of inns to accommodate Russian travelers in the late 1800s. These churches, such as „Aya Andrea“, „Aya Panteleimon“, and „Aya Ilia“, continue to host worship services for Orthodox people from various nationalities. The churches were originally meant for Russian Orthodox people traveling to Jerusalem for pilgrimage or trade, and they also served as places of worship for those fleeing the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. The churches hold services on Sundays and religious holidays, and are open for visitation during certain hours. The churches have a rich history and carry cultural significance for the diverse community of worshipers, including Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Moldovans, Gagauz, Georgians, and Turks.
