Gedik Pasha - St. John or Surb Hovhannes

Church or Organization Info

Gedik Pasha St. John Church, also known as Surb Hovhannes, is an Armenian Apostolic church located in the Kumkapı district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the late 15th century during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II, and is one of the oldest surviving Armenian churches in Istanbul.

The church has a rectangular floor plan and is decorated with intricate stone carvings and architectural details on its exterior. Its bell tower, which stands at 24 meters tall, is one of the most distinctive features of the church. The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful frescoes, and the altar is adorned with an ornate wooden screen, or iconostasis, which separates the nave from the sanctuary.

Gedik Pasha St. John Church is a unique cultural landmark in Istanbul, Turkey that holds great importance to the Armenian community. Its survival through the centuries is a testament to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Istanbul.

The church is an active religious site that holds regular services for its Armenian Apostolic congregation. Visitors are welcome to explore the beautiful frescoes and architectural features of the church, and to learn about the important role it has played in the religious and cultural history of Istanbul.

Collection

Citation

“Gedik Pasha - St. John or Surb Hovhannes,” Armenian Numismatic Research Organization, accessed December 22, 2024, https://armnumres.org/items/show/1380.