Located in the Fener region
(near
Eyup district), between
Sadrazam Ali Pasa Street and
Incebel Street, the Greek
Orthodox Patriarchate is
located in the yard of this
church. In 1602, the
Patriarch moved to Aya
Yorgi, when the site was
used as monastery. Since
that time, a good many
renovations have occurred,
the most recent of which
ended in 1991, owing to
damage sustained by fire in
1941. Although not so
significant architecturally,
Aya Yorgi possesses valuable
historical artifacts. Among
the most significant are: a
patriarchs throne, dating
circa the 5th century; three
samples of rare mosaic
icons; a column which is
believed to have been used
for the binding and flogging
of Jesus in Jerusalem; and
cascades belonging to three
women saints.
