Galata - St. Gregory the Illuminator or Surp Krikor Lusavorich Church
Identifier
MacKenzie-7,8
Church or Organization Info
Galata St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, also known as Surp Krikor Lusavorich, is an Armenian Apostolic church located in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 18th century by the Armenian community and is one of the oldest surviving Armenian churches in Istanbul.
The church has a unique architectural style that combines elements of Byzantine and Armenian traditions. Its rectangular floor plan is typical of Armenian churches, but it also features a dome that is supported by four columns, a feature more commonly found in Byzantine churches. The exterior of the church is adorned with intricate stone carvings, including crosses, reliefs of saints, and other religious symbols.
The central dome features a painting of Jesus Christ, and the iconostasis, a screen of icons separating the nave from the sanctuary, is made of wood and is one of the most valuable religious artifacts in the church. The church also contains many other religious artifacts, including a beautiful chandelier and several ornate candlesticks.
During the Ottoman period, the church was converted into a mosque and underwent significant renovations. The bell tower was replaced with a minaret, and the interior was modified to fit the needs of Muslim worshipers. However, in the early 20th century, the church was restored and returned to its original purpose as an Armenian Apostolic church.
Address: Hacımimi, Kemeraltı Cd. No:40, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
District: Beyoğlu
Neighborhood: Hacımimi (neighboring Galata; maybe back in the days it was the major one)
The church has a unique architectural style that combines elements of Byzantine and Armenian traditions. Its rectangular floor plan is typical of Armenian churches, but it also features a dome that is supported by four columns, a feature more commonly found in Byzantine churches. The exterior of the church is adorned with intricate stone carvings, including crosses, reliefs of saints, and other religious symbols.
The central dome features a painting of Jesus Christ, and the iconostasis, a screen of icons separating the nave from the sanctuary, is made of wood and is one of the most valuable religious artifacts in the church. The church also contains many other religious artifacts, including a beautiful chandelier and several ornate candlesticks.
During the Ottoman period, the church was converted into a mosque and underwent significant renovations. The bell tower was replaced with a minaret, and the interior was modified to fit the needs of Muslim worshipers. However, in the early 20th century, the church was restored and returned to its original purpose as an Armenian Apostolic church.
Address: Hacımimi, Kemeraltı Cd. No:40, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
District: Beyoğlu
Neighborhood: Hacımimi (neighboring Galata; maybe back in the days it was the major one)
Known Tokens
Type I
10 paras
Picture from catalog Gaciroglu p. 344, 1st illustration
20 paras
Picture from catalog Gaciroglu p. 344, 2nd illustration
Type II
10 paras
Picture from catalog Gaciroglu p. 344, 6th illustration (also in Greiser)
10 paras
Picture from catalog Gaciroglu p. 344, 1st illustration
20 paras
Picture from catalog Gaciroglu p. 344, 2nd illustration
Type II
10 paras
Picture from catalog Gaciroglu p. 344, 6th illustration (also in Greiser)
Files
Collection
Citation
“Galata - St. Gregory the Illuminator or Surp Krikor Lusavorich Church,” Armenian Numismatic Research Organization, accessed May 5, 2024, http://armnumres.org/items/show/1378.