Christian Heritage 7 Days Private Tour

    TOUR CODE: TTI - 136



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    Christian Heritage 7 Days Istanbul Turkey Private Tour Package

    The city of Istanbul was founded in the northwest of our country, on the Marmara coast, covering the Bosphorus and surrounding the Golden Horn. Istanbul, an intercontinental city, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Due to this feature, Istanbul is one of the few cities in the world that has hosted many religions and cultures over the centuries. There are many churches in Istanbul. We have compiled for you the ones that stand out with their architectural structures. Have fun reading in advance!

    There are many churches in Istanbul. We have compiled for you the ones that stand out with their architectural structures. Meet history in Istanbul 2 days hristian Heritage in Istanbul Tour package unforgettable memories of Istanbul dream visitors trip!

      

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      Price

      The best price
      Guarantee!

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      Duration

      7 Days and
      6 nights package

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      FLEXIBILITY

      Package Customize
      is Available

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      TOUR TYPE

      Operated privately (Private Tour)

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      Location

      Start from Istanbul
      End in Istanbul

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      Season

      It is oprated All
      around the year


    OVERVIEW TOUR

    The city of Istanbul was founded in northwestern Turkey, on the coast of the Marmara Sea, in the region covering the Bosphorus and surrounding the Golden Horn. Istanbul, a transcontinental city, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Because of this feature, Istanbul is one of the few cities in the world that has hosted many religions and cultures for centuries. Discover many magnificent architectural structures, churches, and structures in Istanbul, which stand out with their history from the Roman and Byzantine empires, with our professional service that offers your travelers.

    There are many historıcal sights and churches in Istanbul. We have compiled for you the ones that stand out with their architectural structures. Meet history in Istanbul 7 Days Christian Heritage in Istanbul Tour package unforgettable memories of Istanbul dream visitors trip!

    IMPORTANT INFO:
      • It is a private tour package, it would operate privately for individual or group tours, and booking is required in advance.

    Food - Gastronomy

    Set menu lunch at the tours includes the package cost but drinks excluding.

    Photography - Taking Amazing Photos

    You can take lovely photos during the tour.

    Trekking

    If you have walking difficulty please let us know in advance

    Boat

    There are no cruises included in the package but if you want, we can help to join a cruise on the Bosphorus.

    ITINERARY


    00.00.Arrive Istanbul, It takes around 1 hour to meet the welcome staff after your plane lands.

    00.00. Meet to welcome staff at the meeting point then you will be transferred to your hotel.

    AIRPORT TRANSFER: Transfer from the airport starts with a welcome service, which we offer 24 hours. Our welcome staff welcomes the guests with a placard, the placard sign is "will be shredded later" It is in front of gate number 14, please walk to gate number 14 and find our welcome staff with the sign "will be shredded later. Please introduce yourself to the welcome staff, your name is on the welcome list, and then he will call your car driver and escort you to the pick-up point, the driver will pick you up and drive to drop you at your hotel.

    * Hotel in Istanbul:


    08.30 You would pick up from your hotel and start to visit the following sites listed below.

    List of the places you will visit:

    Hagia Sophia Mosque & Museum: Hagia Sophia Mosque and Museum is known as the 8th wonder of the world. Emperor Justinianos commissioned the work. Thousands of workers worked in its construction and it took 5 years in total. Thus it was opened in 537. While Hagia Sophia was being built, thousands of marble and mosaic stones were brought from all over the world. These marbles and stones consist of the best marbles and stones of the period. Thus, the best work of the period was created. It was used as a church from the construction of Hagia Sophia until the conquest of Istanbul. However, after the conquest, the church was converted into a mosque. It was converted into a museum in 1935. What makes the interior of the Hagia Sophia Museum magnificent is that its dome is suspended in the air. This magnificent structure has been repaired during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. Inside the dome is written the 35th verse of the An-Nur Surah in the Holy Quran, which means "Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth." It started to serve again as Hagia Sophia Mosque on July 24, 2020, and today the ground floor serves as a mosque and the upper floor serves as a museum..

    Hagia Irene Church Museum: Hagia Irene Church Museum is the First Church of Byzantium. While rebuilding the city, Constantine, one of the Roman Emperors, built a forum, a palace, and a hippodrome in his name, as well as the Hagia Irene Church on top of the Roman temples in the 330s. The dictionary meaning of Hagia Irene or Hagia Eirene is 'Holy Peace'; but also a saint who lived in the same century. The real name of the saint is Penelope. He tries to spread Christianity. He is thrown into a well full of snakes by pagans, but he does not die. He is stoned, tied to horses, and dragged; yet he does not die. At the end of the miracles, pagans become Christians; Irene is also a saint. Emperor Constantine named the first temple of the monotheistic religion, which he built upon this extraordinary event, Hagia Irene.

    The Little Hagia Sophia Mosque: It is the church built by Justinian and his wife Theodor II. It was converted into a mosque during the reign of Bayezid (1481-1512). It was built between 527-536 and was known as Hagia Sergios and Bachos Church in its early periods. In the following years, it was converted into a mosque. It was built just a few years before the Grand Hagia Sophia Mosque Museum. The little Hagia Sophia Mosque was repaired in 1836 and 1956. Little Hagia Sophia was damaged in the earthquakes of 1648 and 1766. What causes the most damage to the structure is the railway line built right in front of it. In addition, construction disorders have both damaged the structure and changed its appearance. Finally, the 1999 Marmara Earthquake caused some cracks in the structure.

    The Aqueduct of Valens in Istanbul: The Valens Aqueduct is 971 meters long and its peak height is approximately 29 meters. It is not a completely flat and orderly structure because some of its components have been rebuilt at various points over time. On the other hand, the arches between 41 and 45 and 52 and 56, respectively, belong to II. It was rebuilt during the reigns of Mustafa and Suleiman I. As can be seen, arches 1 – 40 (including 1 and 40) and 46 – 51 have remained unchanged since the time of Emperor Valens. The width of the aqueduct is also asymmetrical, its widest point is 8.24 meters and its narrowest point is 7.75 meters. The columns are 3.70 meters thick and currently extend 6 meters below the surface. When you look at the map of the Valens Aqueduct, you can see that the water converging near Edirnekapı comes from the northeast and northwest parts of the Valens Aqueduct. Daily flow measured in the 1950s was around 6,000 m3.

    Basilica Cistern Museum Istanbul: One of the magnificent historical structures of Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern located to the southwest of Hagia Sophia. This large underground cistern, built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565), was popularly called the "Basilica Palace" due to the seemingly countless marble columns rising from the water. Since there was a Basilica before where the cistern was located, it is also known as the Basilica Cistern. The cistern is a giant structure that covers a rectangular area with a length of 140 meters and a width of 70 meters. There are 336 columns, each 9 meters high, in this cistern, which can be accessed via a 52-step stone staircase. These columns, erected 4.80 meters apart, form 12 rows of 28 columns each. The attic space of the cistern was transferred to the columns through arches.

    The Column of Constantine (Çemberlitaş Column): The Column of Constantine, which was given great importance during the Byzantine period, did not lose its importance during the Ottoman period and has survived to the present day after undergoing various repairs. This approximately 1700-year-old monumental structure, which bears witness to the history of Istanbul, is one of the must-see works in the Historical Peninsula. In 324, Roman Emperor Constantine decided to move the center of his Empire to the eastern province of Byzantium. He asks his architects to completely overhaul the city and build a magnificent Roman city on seven hills. While structures such as the Grand Palace and the Hippodrome were built in the area where Sultanahmet Square is located, the Konstantinos Forum was built in the area where Çemberlitaş is located, as the political and commercial square of the city. As a symbol of the emperor's power, the Çemberlitaş Column was brought from Rome and erected in the middle of the circular square in 328. While initially there was a statue of the Sun god Apollo at the top of the column, later Constantine had his own statue placed. It is stated that the length of the column and the statue at that time was 57 meters. However, the statue of Constantine did not remain on the column for long, and later the statues of the Emperors Lulianos and Theodosius, who succeeded him respectively, took their place on this column.

    17:00 End of the tour you will transferred to your hotel

    * Hotel: Hotel with breakfast in Istanbul:


    08.30 You would pick up from your hotel and start to visit the following sites listed below.

    List of the places you will visit:

    Tur-i Sina Church: Tur-i Sina Church. It is at Balat Mürsel Paşa Caddesi No: 134. The history of the church dates back to the first half of the 14th century. In 1593, it was in a dilapidated state and the money allocated for repairs was transferred to another church (due to changes in management). A certificate of ownership and repair was issued with an edict numbered 1623. It burned down in 1640. While the church belonged to the Parish of Alexandria in 1670, it was transferred to the Sinai Monastery upon the application of Russia in 1686. And this year it is rebuilt with the help of Russians. The church, which was ruined over time, was rebuilt by the Sinai Monastery in 1729. It was built by the Cretan Nikephoros because it burned down again in 1730. The church was repaired in 1851/1852 and 1855. It is known as a church where Tur-i Sina monks were sheltered. The church is currently affiliated with the Consulate General of Sinai (not the Patriarchate of Istanbul) and is the Metokhion of the Saint Catherine Monastery on Mount Sinai. However, in the letter dated 03.06.1986 of the Spiritual Board of Tur-i Sina Monastery Aya Yani Church, it was stated that the church was built by the order of Yavuz Sultan Selim. In addition, the hand depiction on the door is Hz. It is stated verbally that it represents the hand of Muhammad. Moreover, Islamic sources also confirm this. Saint Katerine (Tur-i Sina Monastery) Hz. It is the monastery where the prophethood was heralded and adapted to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a result of the signs they saw by Pastor Bahira when he was 12 years old and by Pastor Nestura when he was 25 years old.

    Church of Our Lady of the Mongols (Bloody Church): This beautiful building, known as the Church of Our Lady of the Mongols (Maria Mouchliotissa) or the Bloody Church, is one of the important churches on the list of places to visit in Balat. After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, all domed churches in Istanbul were converted into mosques. Only the Church of Our Lady of the Mongols was not made into a mosque. The reason is an edict signed by Fatih Sultan Mehmet ordering that this church should not be touched. Upon the request of Hristodoulos, the Greek architect of Istanbul Fatih Mosque, to Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the Bloody Church was donated to Hristodoulos' mother.

    Gül Mosque's original name is Hagia Theodasia Church: Gül Mosque's original name is Hagia Theodasia Church, 9th century. YY. It was built on a high pedestal and has a cross-shaped plan. This mosque near Ayakapı may be one of the most interesting mosques you can see. This mosque near Ayakapı may be one of the most interesting mosques you can see. This mosque, which was previously a church, has been used as a mosque since 1499. This structure, made of brick and stone, was built on a cellar in the shape of a Greek Cross. Although its external appearance reflects the Byzantine period, the interior reflects Ottoman architecture. You can also see traces of the baroque in the mosque. This mosque, like itself, has a different story. This building, built as a church in the 10th century, had Orthodox beliefs. This church, which served the Catholic faith for a short time after the 4th Crusade, was subjected to iconoclasm, and many statues were placed in the church at that time. At the end of the 4th Crusades, the people wanted these statues to be removed and started a rebellion. But a woman named Theodosia was killed while opposing this. The woman and some of her personal belongings are kept in the church. Then the belief that this woman healed the sick spread and she was given the title of saint. In 1453, with the conquest of Istanbul, the building was initially used as a warehouse, but after various restorations, it was converted into a mosque in 1499.

    The Anemas Dungeons: The Anemas Dungeons were part of the Blachernae Palace complex. In addition to being the only remaining underground dungeon in Istanbul from the Byzantine period, it is known to have unusual features with underground tunnels, winding cisterns and extremely narrow torture chambers. The cellars and towers form a large complex. In past years, the vaulted cells called Anemas Dungeon have been the setting for historical films. One of the adjacent towers in front of the terrace on which the Ivaz Efendi Mosque, built in the late 16th century, is located, was called Anemas, and the other was called Isaak Angelos Tower. You can go down a staircase from the pit on the terrace where the Ivaz Efendi mosque was built. These dungeons can be entered through a door here. After a winding corridor, you come to the beginning of a wide corridor of 60-70 meters. Here, light shines in from the battlements on the walls and a dramatic view emerges. On this corridor, cells are lined up side by side with arched doors. This dungeon, named after "Anemas" of Arab origin, a commander who served in the Byzantine Empire, is 60 meters long and reaches up to 15 meters wide in places.

    Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque (Hazret-i Cabir Mosque) or Kristos Pantepoptes Church: Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque (Hazret-i Cabir Mosque) or Kristos Pantepoptes Church. Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque or Kristos Pantepoptes Church is a building dating from the Middle Byzantine period. This former Eastern Orthodox church was converted by the Ottomans and now serves as the neighborhood mosque. According to some sources, there was a "Aya Tekla Church" dating back to the 9th century on the site of the mosque. This church was built by Princess Thekla, the eldest daughter of Emperor Theophilus, in the name of the saints named Peter and Mark. The name of the neighborhood between the walls and this church is derived from the word "Tekla" and is used as "Toklu Dede". It had short sleeves, a Byzantine Cross plan, and a central dome. To the east, there were three apse sections projecting outwards. A newly built and well-kept courtyard could be seen on the left. The masonry style, stone, and signature arrangements reminded Byzantine architecture. Although the church was known as "Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque" in the first years when it was converted into a mosque, its name was later changed to "Hazret-i Cabir Mosque". Hz. It is connected to the tomb of "Hazrat Cabir", one of the companions of Muhammad. Grand Vizier Sultan II, known as Atik or Koca Mustafa Pasha. During the Beyazıt period, he converted this church into a mosque in 1490.

    Fethiye Museum and Mosque (Old Pammakaristos Church): Bizans Dönemi’nde inşa edilen Pammakaristos Kilisesi, günümüzde Fethiye Müzesi olarak faaliyetini sürdürmektedir. Pammakaristos Kilisesi ilk olarak 1261 yılında Latin egemenliğinin son bulmasından sonra eski kilisenin kalıntıları üzerine yeniden inşa edilmiştir. Pammakaristos Kilisesinin kuzeyde yer alan bölümü Hz. Meryem’e adanmıştır. 1315 yılında da kilisenin sağ bölümüne Hz. İsa’ya adanan küçük bir ek kilise yaptırılmıştır. İstanbul’un fethinden sonra Kadın manastırı olarak kullanılan yapı, 1455-1586 yılları arasında da Patrikhane olarak hizmet vermiştir. Sultan III. Murad döneminde ise camiye çevrilen Pammakaristos Kilisesine o tarihten sonra Fethiye Camisi adı verilmiştir. Günümüzde kilisenin kuzey tarafı cami olarak ibadete açıktır. Duvarları XIV. yüzyıl mozaikleri ile süslü olan ek kilise ise 1938-1940 yılları arasında restorasyondan geçen yapı müze olarak hizmete açılmıştır. Fethiye Mosque, just like Gül Mosque, was a church in the Byzantine period and was converted into a mosque after the conquest. This mosque, located in Balat's Fethiye Kapı Street, was built by Prostostratos Mikhael Glabas Tarkhaniotes in the 13th century. The building, which was used as the Patriarchate after the conquest, was converted into a mosque in 1601 in memory of the Persian wars. After it was converted into a mosque, a mihrab, madrasah, and minaret were added. The mosque, which was converted into a museum during the Republic period, was turned into a mosque again in 1960. The exterior of the mosque is built with stone and brick like the Gül Mosque, and on the interior there are still Greek writings and Hz. Pictures of Jesus, saints, and saints remain. You will definitely be amazed by this mosque that we want you to see.


    08.30 You would pick up from your hotel and start to visit the following sites listed below.

    List of the places you will visit:

    Hagia Stephen Church: Hagia Stephen Church, known as the Iron Church or Bulgarian Church, is located in Balat. Located on the shores of the Golden Horn, St. Stephen Church is affiliated with the Bulgarian Exarchate. It was built on October 25, 1859, in the name of Istefanaki Bey, a Bulgarian statesman who served in the Ottoman Empire. Hagia Stephen Church was opened to visitors in 2018 after a seven-year restoration

    St. Antony of Padua Catholic Church: St. Antony of Padua Catholic Church is located on Istiklal Street in Taksim. Built-in 1912 in the Italian neo-gothic style, the church is also the largest church in Istanbul and the church belonging to the most populous Catholic section. It was built by priests in 1230 in the name of their founder, St. Francis of Assisi. Having survived three fires, St. Antony of Padua Catholic Church was moved to Beyoğlu after the last fire in 1696.

    Galata Tower Museum Istanbul: The Galata Tower is one of the most beautiful stops in Istanbul's travel programs. It is considered one of the magnificent architectural structures that make Istanbul what it is. Many legends have been told about the Galata Tower throughout history. Many sayings love with the Maiden's Tower determines the future of couples. Even songs and poems were written about the beauty of the Galata Tower. This subterranean cistern was called Basilica because it was located under a large public square, the Stoa Basilica, on the First Hill of Constantinople. Before its construction, a great basilica stood on the spot. It was built during the Early Roman Age between the 3rd and 4th centuries as a commercial, legal, and artistic center. The basilica was reconstructed by Illus after a fire in 476. Ancient texts indicated that the basilica cistern contained gardens surrounded by a colonnade that faced the Hagia Sophia. According to ancient historians, Emperor Constantine built a structure that was later reconstructed and enlarged by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532, which devastated the city.

    St. George Fener Greek Patriarchate: It is an important building for Orthodox Christianity. Located in Fatih, the central district of old Istanbul, this building was built in 1836. It contains sacred items and mosaics from the Byzantine period. The church was exposed to a fire and destroyed in 1941. Restoration work started in 1989 and it was reopened for worship in 1991.

    Surp Krikor Lusavoric Armenian Church: The church, built in 1431, is the oldest Armenian church in Istanbul. As a result of the good relations between Armenians and Genoese living in Istanbul before the conquest of Istanbul, the Genoese sold this place, which was sacred to them, to the Armenians. It was destroyed by a fire on April 7, 1660, but was repaired. This church, which completely burned down again on February 7, 1731, was built by Sarkis Kalfa from Kayseri within 3 months with the order he received from Mahmud I and was opened on March 10, 1733. Its difference from other Armenian churches is that its interior is arched and covered with lead.

    17:00 End of the tour you will transferred to your hotel

    * Hotel: Hotel with breakfast in Istanbul:


    08.30 You would pick up from your hotel and start to visit the following sites listed below.

    List of the places you will visit:

    Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church: Hagia Triada Greek Orthodox Church located in Taksim, Istanbul, in the triangle where Sıraselviler Street and Istiklal Street intersect, the church was built in 1879 and has a cross plan and two bell towers. It is an example of a synthesis between Byzantine architecture and modern architecture. The name of the church comes from the depiction of the place of the Holy Trinity in Christianity. There was previously a Greek Orthodox cemetery and a wooden church dedicated to Hagia Yorgi in the area where the church is located. Since it was not enough for the Greek Orthodox community at that time, this cemetery and church were demolished and this magnificent structure was built instead.

    Hagia Yorgi Greek Patriarchate Church: It is located in the Fener district of Fatih district. It is also known as the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Patriarchal Church of St. George. It was built in the area where another church called Burç Church was previously located. As a result of a fire in the early 1700s, it was restored in the 1720s, but a fire broke out again in 1738. Finally, the Hagia Yorgi Church, which caught fire once again in 1941, was restored in 1991 and brought to its current state. St. George Church became the headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. In the courtyard of the church, there is the patriarchate building, the library, and the Hagia Haralambos Holy Spring. Inside the church IV. There are the bones of Saints Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, important figures for the Orthodox sect, who were kidnapped during the sack of Istanbul during the Crusade and returned in 2004. At the same time, Hz. There is also a stone believed to be where Jesus was chained and whipped in Jerusalem and religious items important to Christianity.

    St. Pierre and St. Paul's Church: St. Pierre and St. Paul's Church is a Roman Catholic Church. The Dominican Order, founded by St. Dominic, moved to the Galata Tower after their church was converted into a mosque. It is one of the three medieval Latin churches in Galata that have survived to the present day. It was designed as altars and basilicas on all four sides. Its golden stars are nailed and its courtyard reflects Ottoman sovereignty.

    Ayia Efimia Greek Orthodox Church: Ayia Efimia Greek Orthodox Church, built in 1694, was built by Kadıköy Metropolitan II. Zaharias enlarged the church in 1830 with the financial support he received from Russia. Metropolitan III. It was restored with the support of Iokem. A ceremony was held on April 1, 1993, and it was opened to the public

    Virgin Mary Church on Blood: The Church of St. Mary of the Mongols or the Church of Our Lady of Blood is an Orthodox Church. It is the only church from the Byzantine period in Istanbul that was not a mosque and was left for Greeks to worship. Located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, this church is hidden behind high walls.

    Crimean Memorial Church: The Crimean Church is located in Beyoğlu, one of the touristic areas of Istanbul, and dates back to 1856. In the Crimean War, which was an Ottoman-Russian War, the United Kingdom joined the war on the Ottoman side. For this reason, Sultan Abdülmecid allocated an area to the British to build a church in memory of the British soldiers who participated in the war. Thereupon, the foundations of the church were laid by Lord Stratford Canning. The Crimean Church was opened for worship in 1868, and its closure was in 1870 due to the lack of a congregation. The building remained neglected due to lack of attention for a long time. However, later in 1991, the Anglican Church was renovated and opened for worship under the leadership of the priest. Today, the Crimean Church is one of the places that attracts the attention of many tourists who visit the city. In addition to hosting tourists frequently throughout the year, various events such as concerts are held in the church due to its good acoustics. The church is also called the Anglican Church. The construction of the building is very effective and has a neo-gothic style.

    Saint Esprit Church in Istanbul: Saint Esprit Church was opened in 1846. The construction of the church started with the work of architect Gaspare Fossati and was continued by Pierre Vitalisle because its roof was about to collapse during a service in 1864. The statue in the courtyard of the church is Pope Benedict XV. It belongs to Benedictus. The Pope, wearing the robes of his office, holds a roll of paper symbolizing just peace in his left hand, and extends his right hand to the crowds to bless. The sculpture is the work of Ouatrini; Its pedestal was designed by Medici. Prince Abdülmecit was also present at the opening in 1921.

    17:00 End of the tour you will transferred to your hotel

    * Hotel: Hotel with breakfast in Istanbul:


    08.30 You would pick up from your hotel and start to visit the following sites listed below.

    List of the places you will visit:

    Surp Vortvots Vorodman Church: It is one of the four churches in the Meyrem Ana Church and School Complex. There is the Patriarchate, houses, and a school in this place.

    Balıklı Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Monastery: It is located within the Balıklı Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Monastery, which bears the same name, in the Seyitnizam District of Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul. According to what is written in the sources, Balıklı Holy Spring was built by Byzantine Emperor Leon I in the 5th century. Leon's story of discovering this place is told as follows: "Leon, who is still an ordinary young man, was walking around the area on a summer day and encountered a blind old man who asked him to take him to drink water in a shaded place. Leon, who could not see a water source around, was told by a divine voice to locate the water source." He also says that if he washes the old man's face with this water, his eyes will open and he will become emperor. Thereupon, they wash the old man's face and miraculously his eyes are opened. Afterward, Leon is promoted to the rank of general and wears the imperial crown in 457." The holy spring, which was affected by earthquakes, wars, and fires over the years, has been repaired many times. It was last repaired in 1960.

    Surp Nigoğayos Armenian Church: Surp Nigoğayos Armenian Church Istanbul is an Armenian church located in the Topkapı district of the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. According to a manuscript, we came across the existence of this church in 1630, near the Ayia Nikola church in the Greek part of the same district. During the reign of Patriarch Hovhannes Çamaşırcıyan, Sultan III. In 1811, Selim issued an edict for those who prevented the church services to give up their attitude. According to records, the construction of the church started in 1813. The Church, which was built for the second time in 1823, was built and consecrated for the third time in 1832. Patriarch Isdepanos II for the reconstruction of the ruined church. Ağavni was born to Sultan II in 1831. He appeals to Mahmut. The new church is built with the architecture of Vartan Kalfa Tıngııryan. Although the people of the period tried to collect donations to help with the construction expenses, the amount obtained was insufficient to cover the expenses. Ahmet Pasha, the imam of the mosque, Hacı Kaim Efendi, collected money from the surrounding mosques and Islamic shops and provided 8500 kuruş, and thus the construction was completed.

    Surp Yeghia Apostolic Armenian Church: The previously existing church, located in the Nişanca district, was renovated with the support of the public in the 18th century. According to the notes of Priest Ghugas Incicyan, it was destroyed in 1766 but was reopened in 1800 with an order. In 1832, the Church was rebuilt and built by Patriarch Stepanos III. During the period, it was opened with the philanthropy of Hamaspür, the sister of Harutyun Amira Bezciyan and the wife of Kevork Ağa Çelebyan. Bezciyan also had the Bezciyan school building built. However, since there are no students, the school cannot provide service today. The church, which was renovated again in 1851, continues to operate even though there are very few Armenians left in the district. The last maintenance of the church was carried out in 2000 by Patriarch Mesrob II. It was blessed by His Holiness and opened for worship. Benefactors buried in the churchyard: Semerci master Hagop Agha Varteresyan passed away in 1877 at the age of 72. Markar Pendiryan, an employee of the church, died in 1868. Hovhannes Kurkcubasyan died in 1879

    Hagios Nikolaos Greek Orthodox Church: It is said that the first foundations of this church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, date back to Byzantium. It was rebuilt within the framework of the project prepared by Kayseri architect Konstantinos Yolasığmazis during the time of Patriarch Konstantinos and was opened for worship on 17 November 1831. It is behind a courtyard surrounded by high walls. It has a three-naved basilica-type plan. The wooden columns in the naves are connected to the beams with poles. The middle nave is vaulted from the inside and the side naves are in the form of a flat ceiling and covered with a tiled hipped roof from the outside. Reused materials were used on the exterior, the general masonry system is a mixture of rough stone and brick, and only smooth-cut stone was used in the corners. The iconostasis, which includes three naves, the despot's seat, and ambon wood, is decorated with relief plant motifs made with carving technique. It has a bell tower with baldachins.

    Anarad Hiğutyun Armenian Catholic Church: The Anarad Hığutyun Nuns' Association was founded in the 1840s by the Armenian Catholic Patriarch Bedros IX, in order to ensure that the girls of the Armenian Catholic community, especially the girls from poor families, devoted themselves to religious life and were educated. It was planned by Hasunyan and put into practice by Sister Hacı Andonyan. The union, whose headquarters building was built on Valide Çeşme Street in Pera, started educational activities in more than twenty cities and villages in the Eastern provinces and Cilicia, after establishing schools at kindergarten, primary and high school levels in Istanbul.

    Edirnekapi Aya Yorgi Church: It is not known exactly when the Hagia Yorgi Church was first built. According to a legend, while Edirnekapı was a ruined monastery around the Mihrimah Sultan Complex, it was rebuilt in the mid-16th century, then repaired again, and was built for the last time in 1836, after being comprehensively organized by the architect Hacınikolis Nikitiadis. Hagia Yorgi Church, like other churches, was built according to a three-naved (basilical plan) plan extending in the west-east direction. The eastern end of the central nave ends with an apse that projects outward in a semicircular shape, which we can call a mihrab. Six wooden columns separate the naves, also lined up in the west-east direction. It is believed that the 12 columns point to the 12 apostles. There is a narthex adjoining the church from the west, which we can call a kind of preparation space, and a porch/windbreak in front of it, which was added later. There is a reservoir attached to the building from the northeastern end of the church, a space adjacent to the church in the northwest, Vasilios Ayazma, which contains holy water, adjacent to the southeast, and a fountain structure to the north of the eastern façade. The floors of the church are made of marble. To the east, there is a wooden templon with scenes made of leather on it, containing various sections from the Bible, and the walls of the building are built with irregular stones.

    17:00 End of the tour you will transferred to your hotel

    * Hotel: Hotel with breakfast in Istanbul:


    08.30 You would pick up from your hotel and start to visit the following sites listed below.

    List of the places you will visit:

    Aya Kiryaki Church in Kadırga Istanbul: It was built in 1894 on Kumkapı Kadırga Liman Street in Suriçi, Istanbul. The church was dedicated to Saint Kiriaki. Kiriaki is the daughter of a wealthy Roman family. They are killed as a family because they are Christians. Kiriaki was martyred in the Christian faith. The existence of the church in Kumkapı, built in his name, dates back to the 16th century. The building, which was destroyed in 1730, 1865 and 1894, was rebuilt. The architect of the church, which was rebuilt in 1894, is Periklis Fotiatis. Architect Fotiatis built many important buildings in Istanbul at that time. He built structures such as Heybeliada Seminary and Zoğrafyon Greek High School.

    Istanbul Panayia Elpida Greek Orthodox Church: It is a Greek Orthodox church in the middle of the island surrounded by Müsteşar, Gerdanlık, and Samsa streets in Kumkapı. The original is from the 15th century. Although it is claimed that it belongs to the Elpis ton Apelpismenon church dating back to the 16th century and was built on its foundations, this is not certain. The church, which suffered two consecutive fires in 1645 and 1660, was rebuilt in 1680. It is a building with a closed Greek cross plan in the east-west direction, located behind the large surrounding walls. The top of the middle space is covered with a dome and the side spaces are covered with a vault. There are diaconicon and prothesis cells on both sides of the apse, and along with their apses, there are three semi-circular apse projections. There are bell towers on three corners. The Bema section can be reached by three steps. There is a gallery above the narthex.

    Aya Analipsiz Greek Orthodox Church: Aya Analipsiz Greek Orthodox Church located in the Samatya district of the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is known that there was a church in the Eastern Roman period where the church is located, but the date of its first construction is unknown. Stephan Gerlach mentioned visiting a church here in his travelogue written in 1578, and Trifon Karabeynikov stated that the name of the church was Panagia Psomatia Mahaletha. The current church, which was built in place of the church that burned down in 1782, is a three-naved basilica. The building is managed by the Samatya Aya Analipsiz Greek Orthodox Church Foundation.

    Church of Saint Menas of Samatya (Agios (Ayios) Minas Church): Church of Saint Menas of Samatya (Agios (Ayios) Minas Church) located in the Samatya area of the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in 1833 by the architect Konstantin Yolasığmazis on the Early Christian Martirion of St. Polikarpos, built in the 4th or 5th century. Byzantine period; According to the Fathers of the Church, in the fourth century Empress Helena, mother of Constantine I, authorized construction of a martyrion and a monastery dedicated to the Saints Karpos and Papylos at the foot of the steep southwestern face of the Xeropholos (part of the seventh hill of Constantinople and at that time, before the construction of the Theodosian Wall, still outside the walls of the city). Karpos and Papylos had been martyred together with the saints Agathodorus and Agathonice in Pergamon under Decius in 251. The edifice was said to have the same plan as the one erected on the sepulcher of Christ in Jerusalem and to be adorned with marble. Although the Helena's involvement is far from certain, and her endowment can be surely excluded, the presence of several martyria in the area is attested. Ottoman period; After the Ottoman Conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the complex remained under Greek control. There are references in 1604 to the existence of a domed church dedicated to Saint Polykarpos, and of an Ayazma dedicated to Saint Menas. This church was destroyed in the great fire of Samatya of 1782, and rebuilt in 1833 by architect Konstantis Yolasığmazis, with money collected through an offertory of the local Mahalle assembly with the consent of Sultan Mahmud II (r. 1808–1839). The new church was dedicated to Saint Menas, like the near Ayazma. In 1878/9 four ancient tombs were found under the church.

    Ayios Polieuktos Church (Hagios Polyeuktos Church): It was built between 524-527 in memory of the Roman soldier Polieuktos, who was killed for being a Christian. Before Hagia Sophia, the church, which was one of the largest basilicas in the city, was located in the area corresponding to today's Saraçhane, between the Tauri Forum and Constantinus Martirion. It is understood that the church was abandoned in the 12th century and its architectural decorations were looted before and by the Crusaders. Some fragments from the Church of San Marco in Venice and the decorated buttresses in the Piazetta were taken from this church. It is famous for its decorations, column capitals, which are among the most important examples of late Roman art, and its architectural splendor. It is said that the church is the church of the former palace of Anikia Juliana. It was built on an area of 2500 square meters. The ruins of the church were unearthed during the construction of an underground passage in the 1960s. The ruins, which can be seen today near the Istanbul Municipality Palace, were last cleaned by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality in August 2020.

    Istanbul Kumkapı Mother Mary Armenian Church and Armenian Patriarchate: Istanbul Kumkapı Mother Mary Armenian Church and Armenian. Patriarchate. It was originally a Byzantine Church. This church is the largest church in Istanbul. In 1641, it finally became the central church (cathedral) of the Istanbul Armenian Patriarchate. It burned to ashes in 1645 and was rebuilt in the same year, during the reign of Patriarch Tavit Areveltzi and with the efforts of Priest Boğos from Divrik. The fire in 1718 destroyed the church and the entire patriarchate. A year later, the church was rebuilt with the efforts of Jerusalem Patriarch Krikor Şığtayagir Istanbul Patriarch Hovhannes Golod, and the important architects Hacı Seğpos, Hacı Melidon Araboğlu and Sarkis Kalfa. The fire in 1762 damaged the building again, but Patriarch Hagop Nalyan quickly renovated the building. Later, Patriarch Zakarya surrounded the church with a stone wall and took precautions with a pool and pump to prevent the church from being affected by fire. The church was repaired in 1819, during the reign of Patriarch Boğos of Edirne, under the supervision of Harutyun Amira Bezciyan (Kazaz Artin).

    17:00 End of the tour you will transferred to airport for your international flight. End of the tour.

    INCLUDED and EXCLUDED

    Price Included

    • 6 night accommodation with brekfast in Istanbul.
    • A professional English-speaking tourist guide on the tour and another language-speaking guide are also available..
    • 2 Private transfers for the destinations below.
      • From airport in Istanbul to hotel on your arrival day.
      • From hotel in Istanbul to airport on your departure day.

    • Museum and site entrance fee.
    • Set menu lunch menu on the group tour.
    • All ground transports & transfers with air-conditioned, nonsmoking minibus, and vans!

      IMPORTANT INFO:
      • The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, and you can add and remove another place on the same route (The entrance fee of the new place will be added to the itinerary not including the given price).
      • This is a private tour, a service provided only to you and your companions.
      • Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.

    Excluded

    • Drinks on the group lanch.
    • Dinners.
    • Personal expenses.
    • Tips and gratuities.

    Featured Hotel

       
    • The accommodation offered with this package covers the boutique and 4-star hotels. If you wish to include a higher-quality hotel, we offer two more options:
    • OPTION 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost. This cost will be added to the total tour price of the standard package tour.

      OPTION 2: You can arrange your own accommodation on the tour as per your preference. We can offer a new package tour price without including the cost of hotel accommodation. If Option 2 is preferred, all services as part of the package tour will be provided except for hotel accommodation.
       
      Please let us know the option you prefer at the time the tour request is made so that we can price the tour accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels highlighted in our package tour at the quoted tour price then you may book the tour directly online.

    Terms & Policy

    Tour Reservation Policy

    How to book and pay in cash:

    • Booking of the priced package and daily tours: To book the tour you like, fill in the pre-request form on the page and send it to us, if it is a priced package you want to reserve, we will contact you immediately with the details of the payment rules are explained, and we will share the payment information with you after we inform you.
    • Booking of not-priced packages and daily tours: If you choose a tour that has not yet been priced when your request reaches us, the necessary updates will be made to the tour package you have chosen accordingly date you have provided and will be shared with the you after pricing. We will present it for your confirmation. .
    • When a priced tour request is made by the customer and reaches us from the reservation form, a response is made immediately and the payment information of the payment rules is shared, when the package is confirmed by the customer, we always request a 30% advance payment to confirm the requested package booking. We send details of the money transfer with Western Union or bank transfer (western union is recommended), we request from customers a 30% ____€/$ advance payment of the whole amount of ____€/$ and a copy/copies of the participant's passport for the required bookings. When we have received the advance payment, the tour package will be confirmed, and the balance payment ____€/$ will be paid to us in cash when customers arrive in Istanbul.
    • How to book and pay in cash:

    • If you are ordering to reserve a priced tour package payment deposit form has to be filled out with all the requested details. These details include the client’s full names as they appear on their passports. Once the form is fully and legibly filled out and signed by the clients indicating agreement and adherence to our company policies, it will have to be sent to us by the clients to authorize Turkey_Tours_Istanbul to proceed with tour booking and charge the clients credit card or debit card. Or Or we can provide an online payment link that will be sent up to the amount to be paid, you can pay directly from your credit card!
    • A 30% deposit is required on the total tour price to reserve the tour and obtain tour confirmation. The remaining balance on the total tour price can be paid in cash upon arrival in Istanbul. A credit card or a debit card may also be used to pay the remaining balance. However, an additional bank processing fee of 19% on the remaining balance will have to be paid by the clients. If applicable, domestic flight/bus tickets will only be purchased after a deposit has been made on the total tour amount.
    • Please note that per the written itinerary some tours may require full payment at the time of booking which can be made using a credit card.
    • Cancellation / Refund Policy:

    • If tour cancellation is 5 or more business days prior to the start of the tour, a refund will be made of the total paid amount except the cost of the domestic flight and/or bus tickets. Any time after a deposit or full payment form has been signed or tour has been booked online by clients and received by Turkeytoursistanbul.com, domestic flight and /or bus tickets will NOT BE REFUNDED.
    • If tour cancellation is within 5 business days of the start of the tour, a refund will be made of the total paid amount except the cost of the domestic flight and/or bus tickets and the cost of a first-night hotel stay. The cost of the domestic flight and /or bus tickets and the first-night hotel stay will NOT BE REFUNDED.
    • If cancelled within 48 hours of the start of any tour, NO REFUNDS will be made to clients by Turkeytoursistanbul.com.
    • Administration Fee:

    • For ALL cancellations a non-refundable administration fee of 10% of the total tour package price per person will be charged. This low fee is to cover the costs of administering your reservation and will be applied to all cancellations processed regardless of the tour start date.
    • IMPORTANT:

    • The administration fee is in addition to the cancellation/refund policy charges described under the Cancellation / Refund Policy section above.
    • Special Notes:

    • In order to protect your personal property, please bring any valuable items with you at all times. Please do not leave any valuable items on the bus or at the hotel, attraction, or restaurant. Turkey Tours Istanbul, local operators, drivers, and tour guides are not responsible for any theft or loss at any location.
    • Airport transfers will be provided with a shuttle service that will be shared with other travelers. This means that you may at times have to wait for other passengers before departing during pick-up and drop-off transfers.
    • If an itinerary includes a shopping stop, the whole group will be taken to a shop to look around and shop if they so desire. If you are not interested in shopping, as part of a group you will still need to wait for others in the group who are interested in shopping and may be making a purchase. A purchase at these shopping stops is absolutely not mandatory. You may also stay inside the bus or wait outside the shop for the duration of this stop if you do not wish to enter the shop or want to make a purchase. If you do not wish to make any shopping stops with a group, please contact us about booking a private tour for you that is fully catered to your needs.

    Important notice:

    1. Please use your own credit card or debit card to pay for your booking.
    2. At least one of the passengers should be the credit card or debit card holder.
    3. If you ask another person not taking this tour to pay for you, please ask the credit card or debit card holder to send an authorization letter and ID card to info@turkeytoursistanbul.com right after he/she has paid.

    I have READ, UNDERSTOOD, and AGREE to the Terms & Conditions of Turkey Tours Istanbul

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